10 tips on supporting the breastfeeding parent in your life
By Tucson Medical Center
·
07/30/2025
10 tips on supporting the breastfeeding parent in your life
There was a time when, in the first tender days and weeks after birth, a new parent would be surrounded by a village of women, family, neighbors, aunties, and elders who offered hands-on support and shared wisdom about feeding and caring for a newborn.
Today, that village may be harder to come by. Many new moms and parents find themselves navigating early parenthood with limited support. While lactation consultants, postpartum doulas, and breastfeeding support groups are wonderful resources, the consistent, day-to-day encouragement of a partner, support person, and family can make a powerful difference in breastfeeding success.
The team at TMC Lactation Services have some tips for new families.
1. Join a breastfeeding class before baby arrives.
- TMC offers Breastfeeding Basics - Childbirth and parenting classes | Tucson Medical Center
2. Offer verbal encouragement.
- Simple phrases like “You are doing amazing!” or “I'm proud of you” are appreciated when sleep is short and emotions high.
3. Learn your baby’s hunger cues.
- Help support the breastfeeding parents so they know they are not alone in feeding the baby, someone else is in it with them.
4. Be the pillow master.
- Support mom with pillows and a comfortable place to feed.
5. Observe and repeat.
- Watch how nurses or lactation consultants position the baby during a feed and then assist at home using those same techniques.
6. Do skin-to-skin with baby.
- This is great way to bond with baby and release that love hormone, Oxytocin.
7. Be the snack and hydration hero.
- Help with providing snacks and water, fruit and protein snacks. Feeding a baby is hard work!
8. Be a listening ear.
- If mom is feeling overwhelmed, just listen without jumping to fix things. Emotional support matters.
9. Help the breastfeeding parent stay on top of getting rest.
10. Change diapers, burp and cuddle baby.
Need more breastfeeding support?
We offer outpatient consultations with certified lactation consultants, plus a weekly breastfeeding support group in a safe and inclusive environment.
➡️ Learn more or book a consult at: Breastfeeding support services | Tucson Medical Center
