Bottle-feeding for dads
It seems like we’ve swapped roles in our household now. Daddy T comes home from work and asks me for help in getting ready for his feeding session.
He settles himself on the sofa, and sits there looking quite proud. I have to put cushions behind his back and make sure he has his phone and a glass of water nearby before we place Baby Girl in his lap.
Perhaps it’s revenge. There’s a small possibility that I might have taken advantage of him in the last few weeks. Constantly asking for his help seemed like the right thing to do though.
The breastfeeding specialist at the Kensington Wing, who spent several hours with us the day after Baby Girl was born and helped me get more confident with breastfeeding, explained that preparing for the feeding session was how Daddy T could help his wife and newborn. His role would be to ensure my back was well-supported and that I had something to drink while feeding Baby Girl.
She didn’t say that this also applied to bottle-feeding, but somehow that’s how Daddy T has interpreted the advice. And after dealing with a hormonal and demanding wife for more than nine months now, I guess it’s fair play. He probably deserves to make the most of his new bottle-feed responsibility.
Related Posts
Learning about private maternity care at London’s The Kensington Wing →
What to ask Kensington Wing midwife and consultant →
When mum is down with mastitis again →
Tip for all feeders. Remember that looking down at your baby whilst feeding can give you a very painful neck and shoulder eventually. Take time to gently lower your chin to chest, rolling your head slowly chin to shoulder to the left, return to centre, pause and repeat th opposite direction. Never right back! This will help relieve the tension building in your neck muscles and prevent frozen shoulder pain. Try not to sit with legs crossed which may throw your back out of alignment and keep your feet flat on the floor as well as supporting your back.