Being a grandparent can be incredibly rewarding and the bonds you build with your grandchildren can be very special. You can also play a vital role in the first few weeks of breastfeeding.
- Respect mum’s choices, even if they might be different to the ones you had to make with your own children.
- Learn more about why breastfeeding is good for women and babies and how responding to baby will help your grandchild grow up happy and confident.
- Help with chores. If you’re popping over for a visit, ask if you can pick up anything from the shops, help with laundry, washing up and other housework so she has time to breastfeed.
- Take baby when mum needs a rest during the day.
- Occupy older grandchildren and make them feel special.
- Encourage mum to hold her baby, even though you want lots of cuddles. Skin-to-skin contact helps mum’s milk flow and supports development.
- Encourage mum to get additional support if you think she is struggling and maybe go along with her.
- Make many cups of tea.
Lesley speaks about her experience supporting her daughter Fiona
"Having breastfed all of my children, for me breastfeeding was the only way. Fiona would have been disappointed had she not been able to successfully feed Aaron.
Fiona had done her research around what was expected in those first few days and wasn’t afraid to ask for help, if things weren’t going well.
My daughter had problems with latching Aaron, and it was found that he had a mild tongue tie. I’d heard of tongue tie, but didn’t really know too much about it. With lots of support Fiona and Aaron overcame this little bump in the road, and she decided not to have anything done, as Aaron was doing well and gaining weight.
What did I do to support Fiona?
I supported her, in more practical ways to take the pressure off, cups of tea and homemade dinner. Doing a few loads of washing and whizzing the hoover round.
At times I felt helpless, as Aaron only needed Fiona. I just had to let her know I was there and understood how demanding the first few weeks can be.
Many grandparents worry but I wasn’t. Fiona was mentally strong and had lots of people around her. She knew she wanted to breastfeed and never gave up.
I wanted to play my part as grandparent as much as possible, visiting as often as was needed, always being there at the end of the phone day or night. Three months on Aaron is thriving, there are still challenges, and as little as he is, he knows what he does and doesn’t want.
I’m so proud of my daughter Fiona, she is doing a great job.''
Lesley