5 Steps of ASI's Father Streamlining Breastfeeding Process

Awareness to provide breast milk (ASI) is now increasing. It should be noted, that the success of the breastfeeding process does not only depend on the mother, but also the breastfeeding fathers. Know the practical steps that breastfeeding fathers should take (father's participation in the process of mothers breastfeeding their babies). Breast milk contains the best nutrition for babies with various benefits, such as reducing the risk of allergies and obesity, strengthening the baby's immune system so that the risk of infection is lower, and increasing the intelligence of babies. Breast milk is free, requires no special preparation, and strengthens the bond between mother and baby. The closeness that sometimes makes the fathers feel excluded. In fact, the father should feel the opposite.

Perform this step to become ASI father

A successful breastfeeding process must be supported by a partner, where the mother and father work together as a team. Here are some steps you can take to become a breastfeeding father:

• Be supportive

The process of breastfeeding is not a light work. Bring a glass of water or an extra pillow for the wife, can be needed support. ASI's father can also help carry a baby who wants to suckle, then make the baby burp afterwards. Nursing mothers who are supported by their husbands tend to be able to breastfeed longer than those who lack support from their husbands.

• Maximize contact with the baby

Build a bond between father and baby by hugging, bathing, or taking him for a walk. Take advantage of the hands of a stronger, more robust ASI father to calm a crying baby. Swing slowly, but don't shake it. Babies can also be soothed by the deep voice that fathers have, can be with soft words or singing.

• Helps breastfeed

ASI's father can help the mother to give milk that has been milked. If milk is given by bottle, you should wait until the baby is 3-4 weeks old. This needs to be done so that the baby is able to master how to suckle correctly. When the baby is 6 months old, the father can help feed complementary foods.

• Accompany the mother to obtain information on breastfeeding

Don't assume breastfeeding information is only worth knowing by the mother. In the early days of breastfeeding, the role of the father of breast milk is very important. If necessary, ask about the possibility of a special session intended for ASI fathers at the local hospital or midwifery service.

• Understanding the decrease in sexual desire during lactation

Do not assume your partner is no longer interested in having sex. When breastfeeding, the mother has decreased estrogen, so the vagina is drier. This can trigger pain during intercourse. If necessary, use vaginal lubricants that can facilitate your sexual relations.

Quite often the fathers feel afraid to make mistakes, because they think babies are very fragile. For this reason, ASI's father must be relaxed and enjoy the whole process of breastfeeding with a partner. Breastfeeding is a mother's task that is no less strenuous than the process of pregnancy and childbirth. Support of a partner as an ASI father is an important matter that can help expedite the process.