1. You’ll care what people think
Not everyone, of course, but it’s crucial to have the support of your partner. Research shows that women are less likely to breastfeed if their partners are unsupportive. If your partner opposes the idea, persuade him now for better success.
“Information and reassurance are most effective,” says pediatrician Laura Marks, M.D., co-author of The Complete Book of Breastfeeding (Workman Publishing). “Some [partners] feel worried about being left out; reassure them that they can play a major role in their babies’ care. Or, if they’re worried about your interest in them, tell them it’s not going to be an obstacle to your sex life.”
You can also remind your partner of the many benefits of breastfeeding. “It decreases asthma and allergies in babies, decreases the breast cancer risk in mom and there’s even an economic benefit because breastfeeding is less expensive than formula-feeding.”
>> Lisa Fields is a freelance writer in Hillsdale, N.J.
October/November 2012
