The father, family and friends can play a very important role in the success of breastfeeding, by offering support, encouragement, and assistance with household tasks and errands. When others ask, "How can I help?", be ready with this list of ideas, perfect for hanging on the refrigerator.
- Change diapers
- Give the baby a bath
- Burp the baby
- Rock the baby
- Comfort and cuddle the baby
- Play with the baby
- Do shopping
- Prepare a meal
- Do the dishes
- Do the laundry
- Clean a room
- Dust
- Vacuum
- Care for the other children
- Care for the pets
- Answer telephone calls
- Entertain visitors
- Run errands
- Give mom a shoulder and neck massage
- Enable mom to rest, recover and breastfeed
| Member Comments About this Article |
|
 |
"I agree with a PP -- take the first few off that suggest taking care of baby UNLESS Mom is completely exhausted and wants someone to take the baby. I suggest doing something for Mom specifically, like chores, errands, etc. so she can concentrate on the baby. Mom and baby need that closeness to be able to establish that successful breastfeeding relationship; everyone else can help with chores! When I was in those early weeks, I truly appreciated people getting meals for me, helping me around the ..." -- LILEMPRESSMOMMY
|
 |
|
"Yes, having someone run errands, so you can stay in and rest * be with your baby, is very, very important.
I have, however, another point about housework to consider for 1st time moms [it may be different with more, this is just my experience]:
I used to think 'oh, I've only got 20 mins, what can I do in 20 mins!' Now I think 20 mins... wow, I can do so many things!!
So, for me - when me husband is cuddling our baby (now 3 weeks old) I know can take, say 15 mins or so, and... run the ..." -- MUSICALMOMMY
|
|
|
"I would encourage people to take the first six (baby care and cuddling) off the list for the first couple weeks. They may be appropriate if Mom is desperate for a shower, but in the first few weeks, the volunteer helpers should help around the house while Mom and Baby bond and get used to each other. Mom should NOT be vacuuming while Auntie plays with the baby :) That just wears mom out." -- STITCHINMOM
|
|
|
|
Report Inappropriate Comment
|
|
