I wrote an article not too long ago entitled, Dads: Tips on How You Can Help with Breastfeeding.  This was about my husband assisting with breastfeeding shortly after giving birth to our second son, Joshua.  I argued that new Moms don’t have to be on the journey alone.  As a matter of fact, I’d be doggone if my husband refused to help me with breastfeeding!  In the article, I provided a list of ways for dads to help with the process:

DADS TO DO LIST:

1. Adjust the positioning of the pillow

2. Provide water and food

3. Adjust the lighting in the room

4. Burp the baby

5. Change the baby if needed after feeding

6. Swaddle the baby after feeding and changing

7. Clean / cook

8. Massage

9. Take a shift

10. Encourage with love

Some men don’t feel like they can help with breastfeeding, or other aspects in raising children, but they really can.  One touchy subject is changing diapers.  I’ve witnessed dads running out of the room, and disappearing off the face of the earth to get away from a “smelly diaper.”  You’d think they were allergic to diapers!  Witnessing this frustrates me to no end.

My husband and I made a pact that we’re in this for the long haul, so both of us prepared to “roll up our sleeves” and commit to the most important job of our lives: raising our children.  This includes the good, the bad, and the stinky.

It’s important that we as new moms break the gender stereotypical roles that only women can cook, clean, and take care of our children.  Don’t take the excuse from men that prefer these stereotypical roles.  This is 2011.  Grab a wipe, butt paste, and change a diaper!

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Originally published: MyAtlantaMoms.com.