Breastfeeding and the role of fathers: how to involve your partner?

When we think of breastfeeding, we often think of an "exclusive mother-baby relationship." However, the other parent, often the father, has an essential role to play in this very special moment. Support, logistics, emotional comfort: breastfeeding can (and should!) bea shared experience.

Here are 6 simple and powerful ways to involve your partner during the breastfeeding period.

6 Tips for a Successful Breastfeeding Journey with an Involved Dad!

1. Listen (even if you don't understand the tantrums)

Breastfeeding can be physical, emotional, sometimes painful or discouraging. The partner's first role is to listen, without judgment.

Just being there, listening to their doubts, their struggles, and their joys too.

Encourage, without putting pressure on them.

And remind yourself every day: "You're doing an incredible job."

Photograph of a father wearing an embroidered 23 Mai paris T-shirt.

2. Create a cocoon environment

When Mom settles down to breastfeed, Dad (or another parent) can:

Bring a glass of water or herbal tea Check out our articles on herbal teas and plants that aid breastfeeding.
Adjust cushions or lighting
Managing seniors or distractions

It is in these small gestures that true emotional co-parentingis born: one feeds, the other nurtures.

Image of a quiet corner set up for breastfeeding.

3. Taking over daily tasks

If mom feeds, the partner can take care of :

Dishes, laundry, meals
Diapers, baby bath
Organizing appointments and outings

Thisbalances out the workload and allows mom to devote herself fully to breastfeeding without exhausting herself.

photograph of two parents bathing their child together.

4. Train together (and don't just "let things happen")

Breastfeeding is a learning experience for everyone. The partner can :

Read articles, follow support accounts
Asking questions at the postnatal consultation
Participate in breastfeeding workshops when possible. To get started, check out our article on essential for a successful start to breastfeeding.

💬 O ne simple sentence changes everything: "Do you want us to look for a solution together?"

photograph of a mother and father cuddling their baby.

5. Create your own bond with your baby

Breastfeeding doesn't mean that mom is the only one to bond. The partner can :

Carrying a baby in a sling
Talk to it, massage it, cradle it
Give him a bath or sing him a song

These moments areprecious for the baby... and for the other parent, who then feels fully involved.

Photograph of a father carrying his baby in a sling

6. Support also... if breastfeeding stops

Sometimes breastfeeding doesn't go as planned. It's important for your partner to be unconditionally supportive, whether breastfeeding lasts two weeks or two years.

The choice to breastfeed (or not) is not a failure or a success; it is an adventure. And it deserves to be experienced together, no matter what happens.

Photograph of a mother bottle-feeding her baby

Breastfeeding is a team effort that involves mom... and dad too!

Breastfeeding can be an intimate act... but it's also a matter for couples, families and teams.

When the partner is present, committed, and supportive, the mother feels stronger, more listened to, and more confident. And the baby senses all of this.

At23 Mai Paris, we believe in the power of the parental duo. In the bonds that are forged in the details of everyday life. And in everlasting love.

Discover our nursing wear collection to accompany this wonderful adventure as a duo.

If you are breastfeeding, here are some of our nursing clothes that may interest you:

Breastfeeding t-shirts
Breastfeeding sweaters
Breastfeeding tank tops
Breastfeeding dresses
Breastfeeding pyjamas

Written by Eléonore de Ganay