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Breastfeeding and Such

One Man's Perspective

By Tom Irvin

But this article is supposed to be about breastfeeding, isn't it? Well after a lifetime of fascination with women's breasts, it has been amazing and somewhat sobering to see them put to their naturally intended use (no, they're not just there for us to play with). In those first few weeks, when the baby's crying, they don't want you. They want Mommy and the milk that only she can provide. Not being able to satisfy the baby's needs made me feel like chopped liver. But don't worry about that either. Just do what you can do in other areas. Soon enough, you'll be the favorite playmate.

The breast pump? Now that's an interesting mechanical contraption. Just like milking a cow. My advice, get her a top of the line electric pump (don't scrimp here). And get extra bottles for storage and portability. When the baby's hungry in those first few months, you need to be prepared.

And I would definitely recommend introducing bottles as soon as the baby will take them. Not only does it give your wife a break from being indispensable, you will find it a real joy to be able to hold the baby and help to satisfy that need to nurse.

And finally, don't worry about breastfeeding's impact on your sex life. They still work as they always did. Your relationship with your partner is totally different from a mother/child relationship. And things in that department will be back to normal soon enough.

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