WHEN IT comes to new parents equally sharing the burden, it can be rather difficult – after all, only mums have the necessary means to breastfeed.
However, one thoughtful dad-of-two has revealed his tips to help your nursing partner during this often-exhausting period.
In a post on Facebook, Muhammed Nitoto, who lives in Los Angeles, shared a picture of his wife Hejira, breastfeeding their youngest daughter Zuri.
He explained in the caption that even though he wasn’t able to do any breastfeeding himself, he could still support his other half in other ways – particularly if they’re suffering from sleep deprivation.
“I figured I’d drop some knowledge on my fellow Dads and soon to be Dads,” the dad wrote.
“If mom breastfeeds they pretty much are tucked like this and at times you’ll wonder: ‘what is there for me to do?’.”
Muhammed – who has 32k followers on his Instagram account – then proceeded to list five ways dads can make life easier for new mums.
These include offering to help during the night feed.
“When mom wakes up in the middle of the night, you get up and ask if she needs any help or water,” he suggested.
“The truth is most of the time she will say no, but just the fact you offered will go far.”
He added, as a second piece of advice, that if your partner is able to pump milk, offer to do one of the feeds.
“Mom will take on almost everything and burn herself out if you let her,” he noted.
The third tip on the post – which has already 42,000 ‘likes’ – is not trying to rush breastfeeding.
“It’s not just about feeding your child it’s about them bonding as well,’ he explained.
“Do not I repeat DO NOT try and rush this process it’s not our place and it’s not safe. You will open yourself up to a fight you can’t win.”
Being patient is his fourth rule, he revealed, adding: “More Daddy Time will be coming your way.”
What paternity leave do UK dads get?
When you take time off because your partner’s having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement you might be for:
- 1 or 2 weeks’ paid Paternity Leave
- Paternity Pay
You may not get both leave and pay, and there are rules on and .
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Muhammed also encouraged his fellow fathers to take paternity leave where possible.
“If you have it, take it. The early stages of a child’s life are not just for moms to enjoy,” he said.
“You can always make money but there are no instant replays in life.
“It doesn’t make you more of a man to not take the leave. It’s equally as important that you as a Dad get to be a part of the early development of your child.”
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