My husband and I attended a breastfeeding class last night at the hospital we will be delivering at.  The class was lead by a nurse/lactation consultant.  It was really a fantastic class and I would highly recommend you plan on attending a similar type class if you are planning on breastfeeding, or even if you are just interested in getting more information so you can make an informed decision. 

The class, as I mentioned, was lead by a lactation consultant.  She has spent most of her career in the lactation field and is very passionate about breastfeeding.  She had a lot of knowledge and information to share with us, complete with stories about actual patients she helped.  Her knowledge on the subject and her obvious wealth of experience really made me feel comfortable.

The attendees were mostly first time parents, however, there was one second time mom.  The class really is beneificial no matter how many children you have.  Things in the world of babies, pregnancy, parenting, etc are always changing so these classes can serve as great refreshers even if you have done it before.  Most of the women in the class had already made the choice to breastfeed and were there to learn more about the techniques, the common problems and their solutions, where to go for help and what to expect.  One of the moms had not yet decided, she was attending the class to get more information on breastfeeding so she could make an informed decision about what feeding method was best for her (I'm not sure what she decided to do but like the rest of us, I'm sure she got a lot out of the class).

I had heard that sometimes these classes can make a mom feel bad if she decides to opt for a feeding method other than breastfeeding.  Our instructor definitely drove the point home that breast milk is best but she  made sure to acknowledge that it is not always the right choice for every mother.  She took the time to tell the  undecided mom in our class that no matter what she decided to do she would be making the right decision.  I think this is a very important message to get across.  It is important that moms not feel guilty if they cannot or choose not to breastfeed. 

A few of the really helpful things we addressed in class were:

  • What services the hospital provides after labor and how to get the assistance of a lactation consultant once you get home.
  • Recommendations for breast pumps, an especially important purchase for working moms. 
  • Information about the various holding techniques and which ones seem to work best for most moms.
  • How to get your baby latched on correctly and what to look for so you know you have done it right.
  • Common problems moms run into and how to correct them.
  • The physiology of lactation.

If you haven't signed up yet for a breastfeeding class I would highly recommend it (encourage your husband to go with you cause he'll learn a thing or two as well).  You can learn a lot by reading the many books out there and doing research on the internet, but there is something to be said for learning from a  true expert and from the other moms in the class.  No matter how much reading and research we do we always have questions and the class setting is a great way to get answers.  Plus, other moms in the class may think of things to ask about that you hadn't thought of. 

Ask you doctor or midwife for recommendations on breastfeeding classes available in your area.  Most hospitals seem to offer some kind of breastfeeding class, usually lead by their nurses or staff lactation consultants.  You can also ask other moms for recommendations.