Dad's difficulty

by Riley's mom
(California)

My husband found it difficult when I was breasfeeding. When she would be gassy his first response was, 'what did you eat?' When she would cry for no apparent reason it was 'she must be hungry, are you sure she is getting enough?' For a new born these two occasions happened many times each day.

I noticed that his criticism subsided when I would pump and he could feed her. I beleive he wanted to share in this bond-building routine, but felt left-out when I was breastfeeding. Pumping was difficult for me and if I forgot to pump my milk supply would drop. By the time my daughter was 3.5 months I resigned to formula.

I am glad I was able to breastfeed for that time, but the transition to formula certainly diffused the tension that had developed between my husband and me.