Breast-feeding classes, necessary??

Ramzanne

I'm attending HypnoBirthing classes soon and the midwives at Mount Auburn suggest I take a breast-feeding class as well. I definitely plan on breast-feeding and have done a lot of reading up on the subject already. I know once the baby is born, a lactation consultant will come and get things rolling with the basics. I want to do what is best for the baby, of course, but I've heard that if you've already decided to breast-feed, the classes are mostly informational about the benefits of breast-feeding. Also, the basic need to know things to breast-feed will be gone over with the lactation consultant at the hospital.  I'm just curious as to whether or not anyone that has taken a breast-feeding class would suggest it, or if I can get the same preparation by reading a book and talking to friends. Any suggestions would be great, Thanks!!!!

mhardest

I do not think that it would hurt. I wish I would have known more about it before giving birth. I was planning on only breastfeeding my DS and did so for about a week. My nipples hurt so bad that I would cry when feeding DS. I switched to pumping and just recently gave it up for my own sanity (spent 4 hrs a day just pumping.) Every LC is very different and has different suggestions or ways of getting your LO to latch on. I figured that breastfeeding was a natural and easy thing to do, but boy was I wrong!! That is just my 2 cents based on my own experience! Good luck to you!!!!

newcarsmelly

I was very anti-baby classes and looking back.. I wish I'd take a BF class. My midwife suggested it and I kinda of blew it off. I thought the same as the other poster.. 'it should be so natural and easy", "women have been doing this for thousands of years!". Yep, I was wrong too. At my midwifes prompting, I promised her that I would read 'Bestfeeding'. And I did - cover to cover, twice. I had the LC visit us after our first feeding and she was very supportive and helpful. My DD latched RIGHT AWAY. I honestly thought I was all set but when I got home and my milk REALLY came in, I was wishing I had someone to ask questions. There are great clinics out there - free and pay. But I was so exhausted and sore (from 20 hrs. of labor), the thought of packing up and going somewhere on day three just made me want to cry. Sorry, I know this makes it sound awful. It's really wonderful but it takes getting the hang of. All it took was one 'bad' latch feeding and it became painful. IMO, even if you only get one tip that helps you out, it will be worth it. HOpe you have a wonderful experience.. it really is a lovely bonding time. Best of luck!

PS: A friend of mine told me that the class at ISIS is more instructional than informative - obviously I don't know myself but that's what she told me. 

B-lineBride

We took one on the suggestion of a friend, but honestly I think I learned more at the hospital once the baby was here (they also offered a class), plus the lacatation consultants were great.

Tikat

I recommend you take the class at a place like LaLeche or Isis in Brookline...it is worth it! I ended up biting myself for saving the money and I had the hardest time getting DD to latch...if nothing else get on the boards and do some research into the troubles women are experiencing and how they can be remedied...

babyrusty

I just signed up for one at Isis in Arlington for $59...seems like the more prepared I am the better!  It is just a 3 hour class.

Ramzanne

Thanks for the tips ladies! I'll definitely look into ISIS as well.. The class at Mt. Auburn is $60 for 2 hours and it sounds like that isn't a big price to pay considering the possible stress that could come with any problems when it comes to feeding. Good luck everyone!!

soon to be Mrs. Connolly

My view, if there is anything you get from the class it will be worth it.  It may be simple tips or struggles you should expect.  The more you know the better.  My sister took one and she said she was glad she took it, not for the sake of her self but it helped her husband jump more on board with it and a firmer understanding.  WIth that said, I am taking one at the end of March, due in May.

NG2HD

I took one at Isis in Newton and it was the best thing I ever did.  I read the books too, but the class was a huge help.  And all my friends have had trouble nursing, and 5 months later, the little one is still going strong - I was able to have her latch on in the delivery room and never had a problem nursing.  Even the nurses in L&D were impressed with the patience and the knowledge I had thanks to the class.  And the best part about Isis is, once you take the class, there are a lot of free BF tools/classes, etc. that they offer.  GL!