Quebec father helps dads navigate their families' breastfeeding journeys
![breastfeeding A mother breastfeeds her baby. (Credit: Анастасия Войтко/pexels.com)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/2/22/breastfeeding-1-6778735-1708606664696.jpg)
While some people help out at soup kitchens or homeless shelters, father of two Mathieu Boutet spends his free time volunteering as a breastfeeding support peer.
It may sound a little unusual, but the Mirabel resident explains that fathers often feel lost as to what role they play in their newborn's initial development.
"I try to show them that there are many ways to bond with their child," he explains. "Dads have lots of questions about breastfeeding...How am I going to bond with my child if I can't feed them?"
As a father to Florence, 9, and Antoine, 6, Boutet says he knows first-hand the difficulties that arise once a baby is born.
"I suggest ways for future fathers to get involved before and during childbirth, but also once the baby has arrived," he said. "Fathers play a very important role in breastfeeding. They can encourage and support their wife, help with latching and comfort, prepare what mom needs to breastfeed; the list goes on."
Boutet started working as a father volunteer with Nourri-Source in the Laurentians two and a half years ago -- the only man in the network to this day.
He says his wife, Emilie, who also volunteers as a breastfeeding support peer, introduced him to the idea.
"Nourri-Source Laurentians wanted to recruit fathers with breastfeeding experience for this new service," Boutet said. "I found this approach very interesting, and so, I agreed to become a father volunteer."
Father of two Mathieu Boutet is a breastfeeding support peer. (Courtesy: Mathieu Boutet)
He says he offers guidance, mainly over the phone, to men "who are finding their place as fathers in breastfeeding."
Now, Boutet is working with Nourri-Source to expand its father support network, actively trying to recruit dads to be part of the program.
"To future and new dads, I say that breastfeeding is a learning moment for mom, baby and dad," Boutet notes. "We don't have all the answers, and often we can feel at a loss, but trust yourself."
The best way for a couple to get through those early stages?
"Talk to your partner about your questions and concerns," he encourages. "Communication is important. It's the key."
Boutet is also a member of Nourri-Source's 'Papa' committee and volunteers in prenatal workshops.
"I talk to fathers about the service. I tell them that by being a father volunteer, you can make a difference for others using our services," he said. "It's important to include fathers who have experienced diverse breastfeeding experiences."
Have a news tip? We'd like to hear your story. Please send an email to MontrealDigitalNews@BellMedia.ca
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976871.1721873052!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
DEVELOPING Jasper updates: Wildfire reaches Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park has reached the townsite.
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.