March 16, 2001, Newsletter Issue #34: The Breastfed Baby and the Family

Tip of the Week

Our society equates food with love. Fathers sometimes want to give baby a bottle as a way to bond with their new baby. But there are better ways for dads to form their own special relationship with baby! In many families, Dad becomes the primary "bath-giver." In others, he comes in to give Mom a much-needed break in the evening, carrying Baby while Mom takes a bath, goes for a walk, or otherwise unwinds. Often fathers are pleasantly surprised to find that they can settle Baby at this time of day better than Mom can, as Baby picks up on her stress!

Another concern is that Mom and Baby develop such an intense, intimate relationship, that Dad and Mom both may wonder what happened to Husband and Wife. Sometimes Dad pressures Mom for an evening out or a weekend away, to reconnect. The same goal can be achieved more simply, and without the negative consequences to the breastfeeding relationship, by settling in together for a late night candlelit dinner after baby is asleep, or a video night at home, for example. It is important to make time to nurture your relationship with your spouse; it is likewise important to remember that your baby will only be so young and dependent on you for a very short time.

If you have older children at home, you may be nervous about how to balance their needs with those of the new baby. One technique that many mother find effective is to keep a small table or tray near where you usually nurse the baby. On this you can keep some of your child`s favorite books and make each nursing session a story time! When baby is napping, resist the urge to catch up on the housework; instead, focus solely on playing with your older child. Many mothers also find that using a sling-type baby carrier around the house meets the baby`s need for being held, while still leaving hands free for tending to the older child.

Don’t forget to find time to nurture yourself as well. Even a few moments a day can work wonders. As the saying goes, "If Mama ain`t happy, nobody’s happy!"

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.