The Playbook

29 Weeks Pregnant: Feeding Plans and How Dads Fit In

By the Guide to Fatherhood editorial team. Last reviewed . 2 min read.

Checked against guidance from organizations like the AAP, CDC, ACOG and NHS (linked below). This is general information, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.

Trimester3
Sizea butternut squash
Length / weightabout 15.2 in (38.6 cm), about 2.5 lb (1.15 kg)

Muscles and lungs are maturing, the head is growing to make room for the brain, and the bones are absorbing lots of calcium as they harden.

Your to-do list this week

  • Talk about the feeding plan: breastfeeding, formula, or both. Ask how she wants you to help with each.
  • If she plans to breastfeed, sign up together for a breastfeeding class; partners who know the basics make a real difference.
  • Wash a starter set of baby clothes, sheets and swaddles in gentle detergent.
  • Start freezer-meal Sundays: double a recipe, freeze half. Aim for ten meals by week 37.
A conversation to have this week

"How do you feel about feeding, and how can I be useful if it's hard at first?" Breastfeeding is natural but often not easy; plans can change, and support matters either way.

The baby this week

At about two and a half pounds, the baby is getting stronger. Muscles and lungs are maturing, the head is growing to fit a rapidly developing brain, and bones are pulling in calcium as they harden (Mayo Clinic; NHS).

How she may be feeling

The less glamorous side of the third trimester: heartburn, constipation, and hemorrhoids are common. Strong kicks are fun to watch and less fun at 3 a.m. Fiber, water, gentle walks and smaller meals help, and her provider can suggest pregnancy-safe remedies.

The feeding conversation

Whatever she chooses, the plan works better when you’ve talked about it ahead of time.

If she plans to breastfeed: ACOG recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months when possible, and notes it has health benefits for both baby and mother. It also takes learning, and early weeks can be hard. Partners make a measurable difference by:

  • Taking a breastfeeding class with her, so you can spot a poor latch.
  • Handling everything around the feed: bringing the baby, burping, diapers, water, snacks.
  • Calling for help early. Lactation consultants are often available in the hospital and through insurance.
  • Defending her from bad advice, including your relatives’.

If she plans to formula feed, or combine: you can take whole feeds from day one. Learn safe preparation and bottle hygiene now. See the bottle-feeding guide for dads.

Either way: plans change. If breastfeeding doesn’t work out, or formula becomes part of the plan, your job is to make sure she feels supported, not judged. Fed is the goal.

Freezer meals

Week 29 is a great time to start stocking the freezer. Double a soup, chili or casserole once a week and freeze the second half. Label it with the date. Your future, sleepless selves will thank you.

Frequently asked questions

How can dads help with breastfeeding?

Bring the baby to her, handle burping and diaper changes, keep her water and snacks stocked, learn what a good latch looks like, protect her from unsolicited advice, and help find a lactation consultant early if it hurts or isn't working.

Sources

  1. Breastfeeding Your Baby, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  2. Fetal development: The 3rd trimester, Mayo Clinic
  3. Week 29: Your baby and your body, NHS

We link to the original source for every medical and safety claim. Guidance changes; if a source has been updated since our last review, the source wins. How we research.