When your partner is breastfeeding your baby it can be a little bit tricky to know just how to support her best. After all, this decision has most likely been made together. Breastfeeding may appear to be one-sided but there are so many things that you can do as a partner and friend to ensure that it is not a lonely sport.

• Remember that love is about so much more than feeding. Ignore any comments that come your way about being “deprived” of feeding the baby. In fact, your lady will appreciate you confidently responding to those comments in a manner that implies that you are both very happy with the decision.
• Be hands on. Remember bath time, changing times and general cuddles are a great way for skin to skin to occur between you and the baby. Get involved in all of these from day one to get to know your little one and create that special bond. 
• Mama feeds the baby and you feed the Mama. Breastfeeding is hungry work so a constant supply of snacks will not go unnoticed.
• Do your own research online as knowledge really is power here. There will be many people (often close family or friends) who will make comments about how much the baby is fed and held. They may also insinuate the baby is hungry and needs formula. Knowing the facts will help you deal with this as you will know that it is completely normal. Be the gatekeeper. 
• Find some interesting documentaries or series’ to watch together in those first few weeks/months. Cluster feeding tends to happen for several hours in the evening. Submitting to it and making it a comfortable experience is a lovely idea.
• Try to refrain from focusing too much on sleep-talk and definitely keep the “Mary in work says her baby slept through the night from this age” anecdotes as they really don’t help.
• If your partner is struggling suggest a lactation consultant. It is money well-spent and may help her with her latch or any concerns she has. You could also support her by attending a breastfeeding support group with her until she has the confidence to go alone.
• As soon as it feels natural for you both, head out and about. Normalizing feeding anytime, any place and anywhere will help your partner greatly. It is not a secret only for the home. It is normal, natural and beautiful.
• Be patient. There are a lot of ups and downs that come with the surge in hormones when breastfeeding. Being more patient and understanding than normal will make a huge difference to her.
• Tell her she is doing a great job because she really needs to hear that. After all, she is keeping your baby alive, healthy and happy with her breast milk. It’s pretty amazing when you think about it!