Today we're talking about a very important topic, like all those related to parenthood, but above all one that deals with the support system that people have throughout the different stages of their lives.
From the moment we enter the world of motherhood and fatherhood, it's really important to have a so-called support team. It's a group of people who can help parents understand how to approach certain issues and be an escape route for doubts and certain emotions.
Family members and friends should be incorporated into an action plan, which helps to make this system more united and capable of helping parents, allowing everyone to make this commitment.
This sense of support stood out in one of the articles we found, which gave us another perspective on this group of people who can be a great help to parents who are going through the many stages of parenthood.
So we delved a little deeper into this topic. Something that made us particularly curious here was that we learnt that several studies have shown that women are more likely to start or stay on their breastfeeding journey if they have people around them who encourage them to do so. This commitment to being a support team is important, so that there is a means of encouragement and help for parents when they need it most.
This support group can include your partner, family, friends and even all the professionals who are following you throughout the process. One thing is certain, they will be people who want to help you in this new phase of your life, but they don't always know what they can do or how they should do it. It's always best to indicate what you need and how our support system can help and let you know the best way to help.
We agree that everyone needs to be on the same page so that everything runs smoothly and the parents feel supported in the best possible way. So we wanted to find out if there are any tips that we parents can offer. The main thing to bear in mind is that every team is a team with its own dynamics. However, we think that some ideas might be a good suggestion for you to apply on a daily basis:
- Communicating with each other: this is one of the key ideas for everything to go well. Communicating our feelings at certain times can help our support group realise how we feel and how they can help. In the example of breastfeeding, even if it's a more exclusive moment between mum and baby, it will always be a better experience if our group can help us - a simple example would be to bring mum a glass of water to keep her hydrated;
- Asking for help with some tasks: we shouldn't be afraid to ask our family member, friend or partner for help with some task (e.g. running an errand or making a meal), so that we can be more relaxed about dedicating time to breastfeeding our little one or resting;
- Emotional nourishment: we know that breastfeeding will meet the nutritional needs of the baby. In addition, all the cuddles, hugs and time spent with our little one will be equally important for their development and growth. We think this is crucial not only for the baby but also for the parents.
- Breastfeeding companionship: we understand that breastfeeding is a time of relaxation and tranquillity for both parents and baby. In this case, the father can help - a common example is in the first moments of breastfeeding, when there is still some uncertainty about identifying the baby's hunger and satiety signals. In this context, the partner can help at certain times when mum and baby may need it.
- Mutual support: deciding whether or not to breastfeed is a very important and meaningful decision for mum, baby and their support group. An atmosphere of motivation and patience will be decisive. Help from everyone is essential, both physically and psychologically. It will make all the difference.
- Let's all learn together: we can integrate our support group into our breastfeeding learning process, because it will be easier to talk if everyone knows about it.
This support group idea reminds us that mums don't have to face this breastfeeding phase alone. We understand that this is a very important decision and the more support you give, the better mum and baby will feel. A little help with a task or simply keeping the mother company while breastfeeding will make all the difference. In addition, this support system will provide an active dynamic in what will be the family's day-to-day life, whether it's on an issue like breastfeeding or others that may arise in the following stages of parenthood.
Being together and feeling this mutual support will always be better.
What about you? Do you agree with us? How was your breastfeeding process? Any tips you'd like to add to the group we've shared with you? What's the dynamic like in your support group? We want to know your experience. We want to know your opinion.
