The role of a father or any support system is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to achieve their personal goals. Without my husband's support, I am not confident that I would have been able to breastfeed our second baby girl beyond her first birthday.
My husband has supported me on this journey in so many ways but as I reflect over the last year, these are the ways that meant the most to me.
He took over the bedtime routine for our oldest daughter while I nursed our baby girl. If you have ever brushed a tired toddler's teeth or read the same bedtime story over and over again, you know why this example is at the top of my list.
He always brewed my morning cup of coffee.
As a milk donor, this next one is a big one. He helped wash and sanitize my pump parts.
He always made sure my water bottle and phone were within my reach.
He helped with meal prep and dinner most nights.
After nights where I was up all night, he dressed our oldest daughter and dropped her off at preschool for me so I could sleep in.
He changed majority of the diapers when he was at home.
In the first two weeks after delivery, he drove me to see a lactation specialist when I was having concerns.
He made sure I made a little time for myself. He would encourage me to do things as simple as take a long shower or go to dinner with a friend.
He knew which breast pads and breastmilk storage bags that I preferred and never minded picking them up at the store for me.
Most importantly, all of these ways made me feel like I wasn't alone.
So here's to all the dads (and support figures) in our lives. Thank you for all that you do each and every day for your family. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.
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