When a new baby arrives in a family, people are often concerned with how the father will bond with the baby if the mother is breastfeeding. Feeding a baby is only one way to bond. There are many ways a father can bond with his child.

One that is often overlooked, or considered to be mom’s territory, is skin-to-skin contact. It is best to have as much of the baby’s skin touching as much of the mother’s skin to help establish successful breastfeeding. But, did you know that fathers can also enjoy this special time with baby? After baby has been fed and changed, Dad can snuggle up with baby so that the baby can learn Dad’s scent and the sound of his heartbeat. Babies enjoy being tucked under their father’s chin and hummed to. The deep sound along with the vibrations on the top of their heads relaxes and calms babies.

Fathers can give baths! This can still be a special time for a father and his baby. As babies get older they really enjoy playing in the water and Dad can get in on the fun too. Blowing bubbles, pouring water from one container to another, or coloring with bath crayons are some fun activities for when baby gets older.

Burping, changing diapers, picking clothes and dressing the baby are all things that dads can do. The father of a breastfed baby who pulls diaper duty is lucky because breastfed baby poops are not offensive. No clothespins on noses are necessary to get through these diaper changes.

Don’t forget to play!! Early entertainment for baby is as simple as Peek-a-boo. It is fun to let the baby explore his senses. Dad can gather up different fabrics, rough, smooth, furry, etc. and help the baby feel them. Reading is important, even as a newborn. It doesn’t matter what Dad reads, (even if it is the newspaper) just read! Explore music and rhythm; dance around the room to various types of music, jazz, classical, classic rock. Dad may find that the soothing sounds of Norah Jones are just what baby likes to fall quickly asleep in his arms.

Many mothers will find that fathers don’t do things the way they do and may try to “correct” them. It is important for Dad to figure out his own ways of doing things and for Mom to let him. If the father is constantly being critiqued for the way he interacts with baby, he may quickly give up. Don’t let this happen. New mothers need a lot of help.

Fathers are extremely important to the breastfeeding relationship. They have so many ways to bond with their babies that not being able to feed the baby will not detract from the relationship that they develop with their children. Breastfeeding is enhanced, and the nursing couple sustained, by the loving support, help, and companionship of the baby’s father. A father’s unique relationship with his baby is an important element in the child’s development from early infancy. And remember, Mothers with supportive spouses tend to breastfeed longer than those who don’t have that support.