Experts everywhere agree that breastfeeding gives a new baby the best start in life. How can a dad contribute to this? Actually, a dad can have a major impact on the success of nursing by providing support.

"There are many ways for a dad to get involved and contribute to the breastfeeding process", says Janet Shumway, Lactation Consultant at Grant Medical Center. "Dads can help Mom with relaxing, physically stimulating the baby, giving words of encouragement, communicating thoughts and feelings and being a great listener."

Help mom relax. In the beginning, breastfeeding can be pretty stressful on a new mom. Dads can ease some of the tension by giving Mom a massage, getting drinks or snacks or setting up pillows. He can change a diaper or offer to burp the child.  Dad can also take a few turns doing housework or cooking. He can host family or friends visiting or coordinate meals brought to the house.

Physical contact. It is important for newborns to hear their dad's voice along with moms to experience the complete family triad. Newborn babies require a lot of stimulation to continue to suck during breastfeeding. Dads can stroke the baby's hand, massage the back and exercise the arms. Dads can also connect with their child through a technique called Kangaroo Care. In Kangaroo Care, the baby is dressed in only a diaper and Dad takes his shirt off, then wraps up in a blanket with the baby laying on his chest, skin-to-skin.

Give encouragement. "New mothers tend to constantly doubt their breastfeeding abilities with a first child," says Shumway. A number of studies have shown that when dads give encouragement and support during breastfeeding, the moms are more interested in doing it, are a lot more successful and do it for longer.

Communicate. Keep the lines of communication open! Dads need to share their thoughts and feelings during these early weeks, too, to keep tensions to a minimum.

Listen to the doctor. It is important for dads to listen intently and ask questions to doctors and experts' advice. Moms may not have the strength to absorb everything and may need a second ear.