Contents
During breastfeeding, one might think that the father feels excluded, excluded from the relationship that is formed between a mother and her baby. This is not necessarily the case. Some dads also experience this breastfeeding as a magical parenthesis, and easily find their place, transforming this duo into an enchanted trio. Three dads agreed to tell us how they experienced their partner’s breastfeeding of their baby. Story.
“It’s a little frustrating. »Gilles
“I was very supportive of my wife breastfeeding our three children. Considering the benefits of breast milk, if nothing is stopping a woman from breastfeeding, she should do so early on. At least try the “welcome feed” for its gustatory, digestive and immune virtues. I lived this period well, it’s just a little frustrating because it’s still a time when the dad is isolated. But I was the one who would wake up at night to get the baby and put it to my drowsy wife. ” Gilles, founder of Atelier du Futur papa.
“No, breastfeeding is not killer! »Nicolas
“I find this gesture beautiful, natural, totally desexualized. Breastfeeding was not easy at first, my wife had to struggle and I wanted to help her when she couldn’t, but there was nothing I could do! I understand that parents give up. A kill-love? I don’t agree, I kept seeing my wife as a woman because she had become a mother and was feeding our child. I still think that you have to have a good sense of humor to attend the breast pump show! “ Nicolas, author of “Toi le (futur) papa geek”, éd. Tut-Tut.
In video: ITW – I am a breastfeeding breastfeeder, by @vieuxmachinbidule
“I supported her a lot. ” Guillaume
“I have always supported my wife during her breastfeeding, we have four children. It was obvious to her to breastfeed. So when she had difficulties for the first one, I supported her a lot. We went to see a Leche League advisor, and that helped us. On the couple side, it is not so much breastfeeding that slows down romantic relationships, but rather the fact of waiting for the woman to feel desirable again. “ Guillaume
THE EXPERT’S OPINION
“The father plays an important role in breastfeeding. You might think that breastfeeding the baby is a “mom’s” area and that the dad would then feel a little left out. It is not so ! Call to dads: learn about breastfeeding! As a knowledgeable partner, you will be able to support your wife, surprise her, and also calm her down when there are problems. As Gilles and Nicolas do. Yes, men cannot breastfeed, but they can accompany mother and child, and play an important role in ensuring that everything goes as well as possible… Become a team of three! No need to be jealous! There is something to be proud of that the mother is able to feed her baby with her body. And since it’s her body, it’s also up to her to decide when she wants to stop breastfeeding. Side relationships: dads, do not be impressed by the act of breastfeeding. The mother of your child remains your wife. She will always need your hugs to feel, precisely, the desired woman. It is a question of being patient a little, as Guillaume does… ”
Stephan Valentin, doctor of psychology. Author of “We will always be there for you”, ed. Pfefferkorn, from 3 years old.
66% of French women breastfeed at birth. At the 6 months of the baby, they are only 18%.