Do fathers have an active role to play in the nursing relationship, namely breastfeeding? Although we are mentally programmed to instantly reject any proposal that bears even a remote possibility, it is a well-proven fact that, yes, fathers can and should play an active role in the nursing relationship.

Traditional child rearing practices across generations and cultures exclude fathers from the nursing relationship. However, nature intended this the other way round. Or else how can you find any valid explanation for teats, which have actually been used in nursing a child under extreme conditions.

There have been documented references to such happenings in the Bible. Researchers have found male mammals capable of suckling their babies, and more recently men have actually been doing it. Surf the net if you don't believe me; you would actually find a picture of a 38-year-old widower from Sri Lanka nursing his child. He is not the only one but yes these are rare species and are even rarely documented.

Logically speaking, when fathers have a major role in initiating the process of having a baby, surely they can share the nursing relationship as well. Nursing undoubtedly has been the prerogative of the mother or so we are told, but wouldn't it fair that the father too be allowed to share this loving duty? With working mothers becoming a common phenomenon these days, fathers can, if they want, actually take up this role too! Nature has made ample provisions for that. It would certainly be a better alternative to bottle-fed milk for the baby's health. Breast milk is best for the baby's health is an established fact, one that needs no further explanation.

But that's not the only reason to advocate nursing. Nursing offers a unique experience for the child as well as the parent. It is the physical care of the child by the parent that conveys a deep emotional security to the child. This sense of security lays the foundation of an emotionally mature personality that's capable of forming meaningful and nurturing relationships. Till now, the mother-child relationship has been glorified. Fathers' sharing this glory is a wonderful idea with this unique bonding extending to the whole family.

However, if you, as parents, are not comfortable with this idea, never mind. You, as the father, still have an active role in the nursing relationship. Just take the other meaning of nursing seriously. This means that you must actively take care of the child and proactively help the mother in caring for the little one. Learn to handle the new born yourself; just a little confidence and supervision from the right sources coupled with fatherly instinct is enough. I personally know of a few men who literally outperform their wives in handling kids, even newborn babies.

Immediately after childbirth, the mother may just be plain exhausted or nervous and this situation could last for over months. Understanding and supporting her emotionally as well as taking turns in caring for the child are also a part of the nursing relationship.

Holding your baby close to you, singing or talking to the baby, looking into the little one's eyes, or simply lying beside are simple and effective ways to convey your care and love to your baby. These loving actions, believe me, are reciprocated multifold over your lifetime. All this goes a long way in bonding with your wife as well and helping her out in taking care of herself and the baby better. Are you assured of a happy fatherhood? Start this right now, by planning to accompany your wife to the labor room.