“I have two young daughters, and was successful in exclusive breastfeeding thanks to the support of my husband,” Angga says, “but some of my friends weren’t as lucky.”
Angga is originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, and based her research on Indonesian families, however her supervisor Dr Polly Atatoa Carr says the findings are applicable here in New Zealand too.
Angga is also interested in how social policy affects breastfeeding success – such as a lack of paternity leave, and plans to bring her research back to Indonesia along with recommendations for policy change.
Angga and her husband have also been involved in a breastfeeding community for men, that aims to increase awareness around the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and how fathers can support that, empowering them to take a more active role.
So dads and partners – it’s really quite simple. Do as much as you can to support your partner – do the household chores, get the groceries, make the dinner. It won’t last forever, but this time of support is absolutely crucial and every bit you can do for your breastfeeding partner will be priceless in the long run.
Hannah Schenker is a freelance writer, editor and regular contributor to The Natural Parent Magazine. She lives with a touch of magic in Golden Bay, New Zealand.
