Additional Breastfeeding Facts

Your partner needs your support so she can keep breastfeeding even if she plans to return to school or work.
Encourage her to pump and store her breastmilk once she’s gotten the hang of breastfeeding and her supply is set. She should start pumping at least two weeks before going back to work.
At first she may not get a lot of milk, but pumping once a day will help build a supply of milk in your freezer to use while she is away. When she and baby are together, regular breastfeeding will keep her milk supply up and keep mom comfortable, too.

Georgia law states that mothers can breastfeed in any public or private area they are legally allowed to be. Mom will feel more comfortable if you are OK with her breastfeeding in public. There are plenty of ways she can nurse with privacy even when other people are around.

Plenty of women experience depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy. It is not a sign of weakness or being a bad mother. It is a medical condition that can cause her to stop breastfeeding, and it can have long-term health effects. Here is some useful information from the National Institutes of Health on how to identify the signs of depression and what you can do to help.
As her partner, you may be the first to spot signs of depression, such as:
- Frequent sadness, irritability, or anger.
- Foggy thinking or difficulty completing tasks.
- “Robotic” actions, like she’s going through the motions.
- Anxiety around the baby.
- Saying that she’s a failure as a mother.
- Lack of interest in activities she usually enjoys.

Ask how she is feeling physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Be kind and understanding about her concerns.
Have an open ear without offering advice.
Let her know that perinatal depression is a common medical condition and can be treated. It is not a sign that she is weak or a bad mother.
Encourage her and help her to seek help quickly

Watch the baby to give mom time to herself.
Arrange to take care of meals, household chores, and shopping so she can get some rest.
Give her time away from home to do activities with friends.
Let Her Know Where to Get Help
- Encourage her to contact her healthcare provider or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Locator at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to find a healthcare provider in her area.
- She can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free and confidential emotional support—they talk about more than just suicide.
- Call 9-1-1 if she is feeling like she may hurt herself or her baby or if she is having unusual or extreme mood swings or thoughts.
- Download the flyer, “Talk About Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy and After Birth: Ways You Can Help” (166KB) from NICHD for tips on how to talk about this and more resources on where to go for help.