March 2013 Moms
MillerMama13
member
Breast feeding
MillerMama13
member
DH and I have a breast feeding preparation class tonight. We are FTPs of course. I'm slightly nervous but excited. Has anyone been to a class like this? Is there anything I should be prepared for?
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Re: Breast feeding
No advice for the class - they will just tell you what to expect and how best to prepare...but I will say this: I was shocked to learn that your nurses and lactation consultants will do whatever it takes to get your baby to latch...even if that means squeezing, slapping or shaking your nipple.
So have fun with that!
Nope, we're in central IL. That's a crazy coincidence though. Our class is from 68 tonight and next Thursday also.
My advice would be to do some research on your own as well. For some reason, there is a lot of conflicting info out there about breastfeeding (esp among hospitals). Many will tell you to supplement with formula till your breastmilk comes in, or that using a pacifier is ok right away (both will mess up breastfeeding!). I found way more helpful info from talking to breastfeeding moms and reading lots of books, although the class was good for some basic info.
Yes, they do! I was not prepared for that!
I don't think it necessarily messes with breastfeeding, however my daughter had no interest in paci's till about 5-6 months and it was only occasional and only lasted a few months or so... she never really cared about having one or not having one, it was more of a tool for me to use to soothe her when needed when we were out and about, lol. I think that a bigger deal is made about nipple confusion than needs to be, but I'm only going off my experience, so who knows.
Also, I am delivering this baby in a different hospital than my first 2, and was a little surprised to learn they do not even HAVE a regular nursery - baby stays with you the entire time... which is good, I'd just never heard of it.
Huh, is it bad that I have absolutely no intentions of taking a class? I have done a bit of light reading and feel that's adequate for my comfort level. I'm sure they offer a lot of insight in the class, but it's also such a natural thing. I figure I will meet with the LC if we need help.
I third all of this.
DH and I were glad we took the class. Ours was tought by an Internationally Certified Lactation Consultant that also works at the hospital. She gave each of us a little sign to put in the bed with baby that says "I eat at Mom's." So if LO has to go to the nursery for anything they are not allowed to give formula or pacifiers. Our hospital encourages "rooming together" so LO will be with us except for when the ped has to do exam and if it's a boy for the circumcision. DH was esp glad he went because now he knows how to he can really be supportative and ways that he can help and feel involved.
All of this is true. However, I still recommend taking a class. While BF'ing is definitely a natural thing it does not come naturally and it is not easy. I went to a class and did light reading and still felt like I should have done heavy reading lol.
Thankfully, my hospital has the best LCs in the city and I didn't have to pay for their services (people who deliver at other hospitals do), so I took full advantage of them and they really helped me get my latch down before I left the hospital.
I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing that you don't plan on taking a class. I didn't have any interest in it either, and I'm 29 weeks pregnant STILL breastfeeding my 17 month old. :-) If you feel like you're comfortable, go with it. Don't freak yourself out over it.
The LC I had with my daughter was great. There was a lot I was not prepared for so it was great to have her. I think the best advice I could offer is to expect difficulties and bumps in the road, but they will all pass. (and it's all worth the pain and discomforts that come in the beginning!) Good luck!