Familiarize Yourself with the Basics of Breastfeeding

Knowledge builds confidence and reduces anxiety. Explore trustworthy sources together with the mother—such as the information available on the NOUR platform about breastfeeding, breast milk feeding, and combination feeding, which is accessible 24/7. If needed, attend parenting classes that cover breastfeeding together. These sessions are usually held at hospital maternity wards.

Create a Supportive Environment

Ensure a calm and comfortable atmosphere at home where the mother can focus on breastfeeding. This may include setting up a cozy feeding area and taking over household chores or caring for older children so the mother can devote more time to the baby during the first weeks and months. According to many mothers, a partner’s help with daily tasks and baby care (such as diaper changes, dressing, or going for walks) provides invaluable support during the breastfeeding period.
Tip: Agree during the final months of pregnancy which responsibilities will be taken over by the father/partner after the birth.

Be Emotionally Present

Listen to the mother’s worries and joys without judgment. Emotional support helps her feel valued and understood, which in turn fosters a more positive breastfeeding experience. The partner’s presence and encouragement can significantly influence the mother’s confidence in breastfeeding and feeding with breast milk. Remember, emotional support and presence can also be offered from a distance (if the father/partner cannot be physically present for any reason).

Help with Nighttime Duties

Breastfeeding can make nights busy and leave the mother with little sleep. Although only the mother can breastfeed, the father/partner can assist in many ways—bringing the baby to her for feeds, changing diapers, or soothing the baby afterward. Sharing nighttime responsibilities shows your commitment and helps lighten the load. When partners participate in nighttime care, mothers often get more rest, as they can fall asleep right after feeding, and it also helps reduce the stress that comes with the high demands of infant care.

Encourage the Mother to Seek Professional Support

If there are breastfeeding or feeding concerns that don’t have clear answers, or if a specific issue arises, encourage the mother to reach out to a lactation consultant. You can support her by helping find a suitable consultant and arranging a home visit or a visit to a hospital lactation clinic—just make sure to coordinate this with the mother first.

Protect Breastfeeding Time

Help limit visits from family and friends and find solutions to other potential interruptions (e.g. answering phone calls), so the mother and baby can focus on breastfeeding peacefully. It’s normal for a baby to nurse an average of 10 times a day during the first few months. Providing the nourishment a baby needs to live and grow takes up a significant portion of the mother’s time—it’s often a major personal commitment and a full-on dedication.

Show Patience and Understanding

Breastfeeding can be challenging, whether this is your first baby or your fifth. Be patient, understanding, stay calm, and offer the mother the time and space she needs to adjust and learn. A partner’s support and patience are crucial for the mother to feel encouraged and supported in continuing breastfeeding.
Try to avoid making evaluative comments about her milk supply (e.g. “It seems like you don’t have enough milk,” “Maybe you’re not producing enough,” or “The baby’s crying because he’s always hungry”).

Thank you, dear father/partner, for taking your role in supporting breastfeeding seriously! Your active involvement and care strengthen your family’s bonding and overall well-being.