My boyfriend's parents want us to use bottles, but I am committed to breastfeeding. What should I tell them?
It sounds like you have a great support system, and they want to help you out the best way they know. Though it might be difficult, try to be open and honest with them. Thank them for their support and help! There are so many wonderful benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby. It might be helpful to explain to your support people that breastfeeding creates a special bond between yourself and your baby.
Your baby’s saliva helps your breast produce the right germ-fighting antibodies. And your baby latching to your breast helps strengthen their tongue, cheek, and lip muscles which help with their speech later on in life. You can also explain that by offering a bottle too soon, it can affect milk supply and lead to the baby refusing the breast.
Remind them there are many things they can do to help out. Your baby not only needs to be fed but needs to be bathed, changed, played with, taken on walks, read to, and cuddled (skin to skin with daddy is important too). Helping you out as the mother will also in turn help out your baby.
Don’t be afraid to ask your support people for help with laundry, cooking, cleaning, or just watching the baby between feedings so you can rest. Remind them that you are all a team and can work together to support mom and baby.
SOURCE: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/how-dads-can-support-their-breastfeeding-partner