Just because fathers can’t breastfeed doesn’t mean they can’t lend a hand in other meaningful ways. The early days of parenthood can be quite challenging. Both parents are often sleep-deprived, and new moms—especially those who breastfeed (and, of course, it’s perfectly fine if you don’t; the important thing is that the baby is fed!)—often end up shouldering most of the responsibilities. It’s simply a matter of biology.
Yet, dads face their own hurdles. I welcomed my second child just five months ago, and I often felt like I was in the way. My little one was colicky and rejected bottles, seeming to favor only his mom for comfort. This left me feeling inadequate, as I struggled to support both my baby and my partner.
But a recent viral Facebook post by Sarah Johnson highlights how fathers can still be incredibly supportive. She shared a delightful image of her husband styling her hair with a blow-dryer while she breastfed their baby. In her post, she celebrated her husband’s initiative, noting that parenting is a demanding job, and sometimes self-care takes a backseat. “The best part is I didn’t even ask him—he offered! Dads, take notes; every mom appreciates this kind of chivalry!” she wrote.
It’s easy to criticize how low the expectations for dads can be, but for Sarah, what matters is that her husband is stepping up. She appreciates that her hair looked decent after his efforts, whereas I can only imagine how messy things would get if I attempted such a task for my wife!
Parenting is undoubtedly a joint effort. While we may not perform all the same tasks equally well, we must contribute wherever we can. Whether it’s helping with breastfeeding, bath time, meal preparation, or assisting with homework, fathers can play a crucial role. As Sarah’s husband demonstrated, not every act of support has to be directly related to the baby.
Sometimes, simply assisting mom with daily tasks can provide her with the little bit of mental space needed to care for a newborn effectively. So, step up, dads! Grab that blow-dryer and help your partner out—just be gentle with her hair!
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Summary
Dads may not breastfeed, but they can provide vital support to breastfeeding moms. Acts of kindness, like helping with personal care tasks, can make a significant difference in a new mom’s experience. Parenting is a shared journey, and every bit of help counts!