Helping with breastfeeding

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Although you’re not the one with the on-tap milk supply, there's actually quite a lot you can do to help out with breastfeeding and bond with your baby at the same time. Breast milk helps give your baby the best start in life, so try and give your partner all the support you can. You’ll find a few ideas below. If there’s anything you’d like to ask us, please do email or call our team of experts.

Gill, baby feeding advisor and mum

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Sharing the feeding routine – expressing milk

One way of giving helping your partner a rest from with breastfeeding is for her to express some of her breast milk. That way you could take over or take it in turns with night-time feeds, which can make a huge difference. It also gives you some special bonding time with your baby as you hold them close.

Some women find expressing milk difficult or painful so this isn't always an option. But it's best to wait until your baby's 6 to 8 weeks old before trying. They need time to get used to feeding from the breast first and introducing a bottle too early could confuse them.

Even when your baby does start, it may take a while for them to get used to it, so don’t take it personally if they demand that mum feeds them for a while first!

Other ways to support your partner

If expressing breast milk isn’t an option or it’s too early to do so, there is plenty you can still do. Breastfeeding is thirsty business, so get your partner a glass of water while she’s got her arms full. You can also help by winding the baby afterwards – remember to be ready for the baby to bring back a bit of milk!

It’s also important that you try and help out with everyday tasks at home such as shopping, cooking and cleaning. This will give your partner time to rest and keep her energy levels up – breastfeeding can be hard work!

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