Breastfeeding can be many things — challenging, exhausting, deeply gratifying — but it should never feel solitary. Every parent deserves a support system to help weather the ups and downs of lactation. At the Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (BMSG), we believe that every nursing parent in Singapore deserves their village too.

Why Support During Breastfeeding is Essential

One of the most important factors in breastfeeding success is support. Whether that support comes from a spouse, a parent, a friend, or a trained lactation professional, consistent encouragement helps the nursing parent feel seen, respected, and empowered. Research has shown that positive support improves a parent’s confidence and breastfeeding self-efficacy, while ambivalence or negativity can undermine their efforts.

Support doesn’t start after the baby is born. It can and should begin during pregnancy.

Real Stories from Singaporean Mothers

The journey of breastfeeding is unique for every parent, but one thing remains clear: support makes all the difference. On BMSG’s website, we share inspiring stories from local mothers who highlight how family and community support helped them through their breastfeeding challenges.

• Nur Fadilah’s story emphasises the crucial role of spousal and family encouragement in the postpartum period. Her experience shows how understanding and practical help can sustain breastfeeding even when it gets tough. Read her full story here: The Importance of Spousal and Family Support – Nur Fadilah’s Story.

• Lyn’s story focuses on finding support as a first-time mother, navigating the early days of breastfeeding with the help of peer groups and community resources in Singapore. Her journey highlights the value of connecting with others who understand the ups and downs. Explore her story here: Finding Support as a First-Time Mother – Lyn’s Story.

Support During Pregnancy

Understanding breastfeeding before your baby arrives is one of the best ways to support a nursing parent. In Singapore, antenatal breastfeeding classes are available through hospitals and community organisations. At BMSG, we offer a series of mini workshops covering a wide range of breastfeeding topics that are helpful for both family members and other supporters. Recordings of these workshops are also available for purchase if you are unable to attend live.

One of these workshops, Supporting a Breastfeeding Mother, focuses on practical ways to help during the postpartum period, what signs to watch for, and how to offer encouragement without pressure.

Learning about skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding goals, and supporting expressed milk feeding plans before birth helps build trust and ensures everyone shares the same expectations.

Support at the Hospital 

In the hospital, you can be an advocate. Ask for the golden hour after birth, where uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact is encouraged. Let hospital staff know your partner plans to breastfeed and prefers to room-in with the baby. Even if things are going smoothly, it’s helpful to ask for a visit from the hospital’s lactation consultant. Local institutions such as KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and National University Hospital provide daily lactation support to new parents.

Key Ways to Support a Lactating Parent at Home

In the early days and weeks postpartum, breastfeeding takes up a significant amount of time and energy. Here’s how you can help:

• Keep the nursing parent hydrated and well-fed. Offer snacks, meals, and water regularly.

• Handle chores: laundry, cleaning, errands.

• Limit visitors to give the family space to bond and recover.

• Offer encouragement often. A simple “You’re doing great” goes a long way.

• Bring the baby to them for night feeds so they don’t have to get out of bed.

• Take over baby duties like burping, diaper changes, bathing, or walking the baby so the parent can rest.

• Clean and prepare breast pump parts and bottles if the parent is expressing milk.

Supporting a Parent’s Return to Work

In Singapore, most working parents return to work after 16 weeks of maternity leave. This transition can be emotionally and physically challenging. As a partner, help by picking up more household responsibilities and encouraging the use of lactation rooms at the workplace. Apps like GoMama make it easier for nursing parents to find nearby breastfeeding-friendly spaces.

Encouragement matters here too. Research shows that when partners support the choice to continue breastfeeding and advocate for expression breaks, parents are more likely to meet their breastfeeding goals.

If your workplace lacks lactation support, advocate for a pumping space and breastfeeding-friendly policies. You could be the reason someone feels confident enough to continue breastfeeding.

What To Do If They Are Struggling

Breastfeeding can come with hurdles. If the parent you’re supporting is facing pain, low milk supply, latch issues, or emotional stress, encourage them to seek help from an IBCLC or a trained breastfeeding counsellor. At BMSG, our counsellors offer free emotional support and guidance online.

It’s also okay to support the parent in making an informed choice to stop or pause breastfeeding. Support means showing up, not pushing. Whatever their choice, be kind and listen.

Finding Support as a Single Parent

Support doesn’t have to come from a co-parent. It can be a friend, a neighbour, or a community group. BMSG welcomes all parents, regardless of their background, and provides a safe space for connection and peer support.

New parents can also access support through hospital groups, their polyclinic nurses, and apps like GoMama, which list resources and events.

In Summary

Breastfeeding is a journey best travelled with others. Whether you’re a spouse, friend, parent, or employer, your support can help a nursing parent in Singapore feel less alone, more empowered, and better equipped to meet their feeding goals.

To educate yourself on how to be a better supporter, consider joining our upcoming Supporting a Breastfeeding Mother workshop. Learn how to provide meaningful, practical help — because informed support truly makes a difference.

Browse our workshop catalogue to purchase a workshop as a gift for a mum, or to educate yourself on various breastfeeding topics to better support the nursing parent in your life.

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