Ways Grandparents Can Support Breastfeeding
These tips help grandparents support their breastfeeding grandchild.
Welcoming a new grandchild into your family is exciting! Naturally, you want the best for him or her. Breastfeeding gives your grandchild the best nutrition for a great start in life. It helps your grandchild grow and develop, feel safe and secure, and have better health.
Here's how you can support your daughter and make her breastfeeding journey a bit easier:
- Learn the breastfeeding basics. That way, you can help your daughter prepare to breastfeed and offer advice and encouragement at every stage.
- Go the extra mile with house chores. Run errands, cook, clean, or do laundry so that your daughter only has to focus on caring for your grandchild.
- Limit visitors. New moms need plenty of rest. Help limit the number of visitors that come to your daughter's home.
- Help with baby care. Bathe, change, dress, burp, and soothe your grandchild. And don't forget to snuggle!
- Watch for hunger signs. Learn your grandchild's hunger signs, and bring baby back to mom for nursing sessions.
- Ask for help. If mom is struggling to breastfeed, encourage her to contact her WIC breastfeeding staff or peer counselor for help.
- Defend mom's choice. Not everyone will understand your daughter's decision to breastfeed. You can be the first line of defense against negative comments and anyone who tries to discourage her from breastfeeding.
- Give encouragement. Let your daughter know you support her decision to breastfeed. Tell her you're proud of her, and offer as much support as you can.
