Dads can totally help when it comes to breastfeeding, and it seems more definitely want to be supportive in their partner’s feeding journey.
On January 27th, makchic joined hands with Me BooksAsia to organise Breastfeeding: Daddy Duty Parenting Workshop. The workshop was conducted by one of Malaysia’s most esteemed lactation counsellors, Gina Yong.
She is also the founder of the largest and most active Facebook-based breastfeeding support group in Malaysia : The Breastfeeding Advocates Network (TBAN). It has more than 100,000 members, and receives more than 100 new members daily.
Yong told participants that fathers were now more involved, a stark difference compared to the past. “Twenty years ago in my groups there were hardly any dads there. Nowadays many dads want to be hands on, and they come and ask a lot of questions,” she said.
Helping daddy support mummy and baby
The half-day event was tailored to provide new fathers information about the basics of breastfeeding, including the science of lactation and breastmilk supply itself. A mother of four, Yong gave an honest insight into what happens in the first few weeks of a baby’s life. Her explanations were accompanied by informative slides, and her manner – warm and relaxed – put many parents at ease.
Armed with years of experience with new parents (and grandparents!), Yong was able to share valuable advice and tips. She even prepared them for the typical comments or expectations faced by new parents. There was also plenty of helpful notes for dads as to how they could be a good support system for their wives.
She also managed to make the session interactive and relevant to daddies, highlighting the importance of their role. Giving baby mummy’s milk is the perfect start to raising a healthy and happy child, she said.
We were proud to receive curious and eager-to-learn daddy participants who came in with their respective partners. Everyone made full use of the workshop to ask burning questions about parenting and breastfeeding.
For more information about this workshop and future workshops organised by makchic, write to us at makchic@popdigital.my today. If you would like to collaborate with us on one, get in touch too!
