June is National Breastfeeding Month – a month to celebrate breastfeeding and encourage dads and partners to get involved!

Breastfeeding is a natural process and can help create a special bond between mums and their babies, but it can take time for mums to feel comfortable and confident to breastfeed. That’s why it is really important for dads and partners to get involved and give mum the support she may need.
 

Dads and partners can support mums to breastfeed by:
• going along to antenatal or breastfeeding sessions before the baby arrives
• encouraging and reassuring their partner that she can do it, although it may take some time and lots of support
• giving emotional and practical support such as a shoulder to lean on or help around the house
• giving mum a break by playing, bathing, changing or settling the baby.
Why is it important for mums to breastfeed?
It’s free and is available whenever and wherever baby needs a feed. There are also many health benefits for both mum and baby.

For mum:
• breastfeeding burns lots of calories and will help mum lose her baby weight quicker – it naturally uses up to 500 calories a day
• it lowers her risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer
• it helps to build a strong bond with her baby.
For baby:
• breastfed babies have better immune systems with fewer chest and ear infections
• they have less chance of diarrhoea and vomiting
• they are less likely to become obese.

For further information, support or advice about breastfeeding call Wirral Community NHS Trust’s Infant Feeding Team on 0151 514 2354, visit www.wirralct.nhs.uk, or download our Breast Start App for both iphone and android. Don’t forget if you have any questions you can also come along to one of our events and speak to the team.

Did you know?
Mums are much more likely to breastfeed for longer when they have their partner’s support.
Breastfeeding can be a bonding experience for the whole family.
Dads and partners can feed their baby with expressed breast milk.

Q and A
What support is available locally for mums, dads and partners around breastfeeding?
Local specialist trained teams are in place to answer, listen and help with all breastfeeding needs:
Home Start Breastfeeding Peer Support Wirral: 0151 647 8370 
Health Visiting Teams: www.wirralct.nhs.uk
Wirral University Hospital Community Midwives Office: 0151 604 7682