David Beckham Shows Dads How to Support Breastfeeding

on August 22, 2011 at 2:15 PM

breastfeeding david beckham For some reason it's always surprising when we hear about a celebrity breastfeeding. Maybe it's because we assume they all have scheduled c-sections paired with a tummy tuck and plenty of drugs, and nannies to take care of the baby while they sip champagne on the beach. But celebrities are people too! And therefore have the same issues when a newborn is suddenly in the house.

It turns out that Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, is having some breastfeeding challenges due to a slipped disc in her back. Back pain would certainly present a challenge to picking up a baby and holding her in the best possible position for breastfeeding. It's making me think I was whining way too much about my arm falling asleep while nursing.

So the story out of the Spice-Beckham household is that dad, David, actually holds up baby Harper to breastfeed since mom is in too much pain to hold onto that baby. What's gonna work? Teamwork! If only every dad were so involved in breastfeeding.

Yes, that's what I'm saying: David Beckham is a breastfeeding role model. Who knew a jock would be the man to show other dads how it's done? Can you imagine if dads also had to be physically involved with breastfeeding the babies?

Perhaps then it would be seen as something you just do after having a baby, like checking on the umbilical cord site for infection or changing a diaper. And even more importantly, perhaps people would realize how important the dad's role is in the family and paternity leave would follow. Ahhh, a lady can dream.

Either way, bravo to Becks for helping out with the newborn. I'm loving this story, and hope dads everywhere take note.

Are you surprised by this story?

Image via friskytuna/Flickr

About the author April Peveteaux

writes about anything that gets stuck in her craw. A mom of two in Los Angeles, she can't believe she practically lives in the country now after attempting to raise kids in Brooklyn.

Filed Under: celebrity babies, breastfeeding, newborns

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Comments (13)

MomtoOne92

on Aug 22, 2011 at 3:06 PM

Is it me, or did he just become hotter??

My husband was a huge support early on when I was trying to get breastfeeding figured out. I would nurse our son and he would then burp and/or change him - at all hours of the night. He was always making sure I had enough water and snacks to keep my energy up and was a tireless cheerleader. Breastfeeding can be difficult and incredibly challenging at times and there were days that I wanted to quit. If it were not for my husband's unwavering support, I don't think I would have lasted as long as I have (12 months and counting!!).

Kudos to David Beckham! I wish more husbands and partners were more supportive because I think they would help more women successfully stick with it!

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Nonmember comment from Stacey

on Aug 22, 2011 at 3:30 PM

I think he may be a role model for other celeb dads or rich people but not your average dad who, you know, has to leave the house for a JOB. This is kind of a slap in the face to all hard working dads that support the mom in every kind of way possible, it makes it seems as if they aren't doing enough. I really dont see how you can say "Who knew a jock would be the man to show other dads how it's done". He is rich and has the ability to saty home 24/7, I think a Dad working his a$$ off to support a family says a lot more than a superstar holding a baby and changing a diaper.

Melissa042807

on Aug 22, 2011 at 3:33 PM

I think that's awesome. I was lucky that my husband is very supportive - he got up for every nighttime feeding during the 2 weeks he took off after the baby was born, recorded nursing times, burped the baby while I smeared on the nipple cream, the whole nine yards. New dads ought to understand that their support can make all the difference in the world to a new mom.

ForeverInLove

on Aug 22, 2011 at 5:39 PM

This is awesome, because it is showing that even a man knows what's best for his child. Showing how he supports the decision, and loves his wife for choosing such.

LKRachel

on Aug 22, 2011 at 9:14 PM

that is awesome!

sidenote- I wish someone on the stir would do an article about how the whole cesarean/tummy tuck as one operation is a myth and that if someone offers to do that for you, you need to run far away and quickly (or as quickly as you can while pregnant)

Facebook comment from Susan Delly

on Aug 23, 2011 at 2:29 AM

Aww, that's great that he has the time and wants to help, understanding how hard it is for his lady to nurse! After the delivery of my son, my pregnancy carpal tunnel got much worse. My hands were so painful or numb (alternating) that I was afraid I would drop my son... it would have been nice to have a 'holder'. haha

kyriesmommy13

on Aug 24, 2011 at 3:26 PM

That's awesome that he holds the baby up for her, but I wonder if he does it 8-12 times a day, since that's how often most bf babies nurse? Do they have a part-time baby holder that comes in to help, lol? I had a failed spine surgery (need another surgery), chronic back pain that radiates down my legs, stabbing feeling in my lower back with almost every step i take, numbness in my arms, hands, and legs due to spine/disc disease. I am disabled. I managed to nurse my child (in fact, I'm still nursing her) despite all of the pain, and I did it without a "baby holder." They have these really fancy things called nursing pillows and baby carriers (slings, wraps, etc.) that most women use to nurse their children with. I guess this story just leaves a bad taste in my mouth, so to speak. Just another prissy celeb who wants to be treated like a princess and get praise and sympathy for doing something natural/normal, and part of her responsibility being a mom!!

Facebook comment from Nicole Deming

on Aug 24, 2011 at 8:55 PM

Awesome! I am glad that my husband was and is supportive of breastfeeding!