I'm zoning out and can't remember if I've asked this before so I apologize if it's redundant!
What do you think about the breastfeeding classes...worth it? I've shopped around and most seem like they are a one time thing for 2-4 hrs in duration. I'm reading books but I don't want to short change myself if people feel that this class is invaluable.
TIA! :-)
Re: Breastfeeding class?
m/c July 2007
Patrick born August 2008
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Ectopic September 2009
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ditto this.
don't go to a "class" unless it's free or cheap.
but, i highly recommend setting aside $100 or so, and getting a LC sometime in the first week/week and a half postpartum (right after your milk comes in!)
also, make sure the hospital LC *watches* you bf, so she can see if the baby's latching properly, etc. my hospital consultation sucked b.c the lady was rushed. (and if the baby's not latching properly - you won't necessarly know... until your boobies hurt SO bad that they feel like they're going to fall off...)
believe it or not, i actually got some useful little tidbits from the free book that came with a formula sample, and the little 5-10 min tv segments they have on the hospital tv.
ultimately bf didn't work our for me, though... i'm still sorta doing it, but mostly ff.
This is all awesome info, thanks. I'd never even heard of the Breastfeeding Center (free!!??) or NOVA Lactation Consultants. In truth, I hadn't looked much beyond INOVA Alexandria's offerings or the Lamaze group that also provides breastfeeding classes. My "shopping around" was sad.. ;-)
For those who used a lactation consultant after baby was born, was this easy to set up? I can imagine I would be feeling a sense of urgency.
If you still want some info ahead of time, you may want to read a book. I have decided to skip the bf class and I'm reading a book recommended to me by the LCs I have access to through DH's work.
http://www.breastfeedingmadesimple.com/
Since I haven't actually had my baby yet, I can't really say whether or not I can actually apply what I've learned from reading the book. But so far, it's been very informative.