{"id":466,"date":"2019-07-31T04:29:07","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T04:29:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medelabreastfeeding.asia\/ph\/?p=466"},"modified":"2019-07-31T04:29:07","modified_gmt":"2019-07-31T04:29:07","slug":"breastfeeding-is-a-family-affair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medela.ph\/do-you-know\/breastfeeding-is-a-family-affair\/","title":{"rendered":"Breastfeeding is a Family Affair"},"content":{"rendered":"
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To say that breastfeeding is a family affair is a bit of an oxymoron. After all, usually we think of breastfeeding as being a private exchange between mother and baby \u2013 how can the whole family be involved in breastfeeding?<\/p>\n
Although only moms can physically breastfeed babies, the success of the breastfeeding experience depends significantly on the larger network of support around her. This includes the mom\u2019s partner, other children, and family and friends. That support from a partner and\/or family has a direct impact on the length of time that mothers will breastfeed, as well as the overall quality of the experience.<\/p>\n
There is a lot that a family can do to form a cohesive partnership that benefits everyone. The very special bond that a mother has with her baby can be shared if everyone has a clear role and ways to feel connected. That \u201cfeeling\u201d of being connected to the breastfeeding relationship is not imaginary or abstract. In fact, a partner can also feel the same feel-good hormones that a mother feels from breastfeeding.<\/p>\n
In this\u00a0article<\/a>, the author discusses how grandparents can get a great deal of emotional and physical satisfaction in supporting the breastfeeding relationship. Grandparents often feel that with the arrival of that new baby, something very important has come into their lives \u2013 they have an added sense of purpose and meaning, and their skills and insights are valued. This helps to prevent loneliness and social isolation.<\/p>\n What are benefits of breastfeeding for the entire family, and why is it a family affair?<\/p>\n Every time a mom breastfeeds or pumps breastmilk, she produces oxytocin, the socializing drug that helps us bond with others. This helps the mother to feel closer to her baby \u2013 and to want to keep nursing and bonding with the baby. Partners should not feel left out just because they are not lactating; their body will produce oxytocin as they interact with their baby and especially if they foster skin-to-skin contact.<\/p>\n
\nFamily Becomes Closer to Each Other and the Baby<\/h4>\n