if you took newborn and/or breastfeeding classes at Kaiser...

norcal

Did you feel that you learned a lot from these classes and they were beneficial, or did you feel they weren't?

Lesley423

I took the newborn care class.  I didn't really learn too much and didn't think it was really worth it for myself.  My DH got more out of it than I did. 

love22

My DH and I took both.  We both learned some great tips at the newborn class and some details about how to naturally deal with some common newborn conditions like cradle cap, etc.  I actually had done a bunch of research on breastfeeding on my own - like watching you tube videos (Dr. Newman) and reading on Kellymom but my DH got a lot out of it.  Breastfeeding can be very difficult and I know for me it was important to have a supportive partner.

StefandTodd

I was really glad we took all the classes Kaiser offered.  If you're leaning towards only one, I would take the BFing one over the newborn care.  BUT, I learned something from both of them, and my H especially learned stuff.  All the classes were great for instigating conversations and stuff too.  And actually, one of the topics covered in Newborn Care was about fevers and taking rectal temps and T just brought up something about that yesterday.  So yeah, we took every class offered by Kaiser...even the ones we had to pay extra for (like Baby Makes 3 and Infant CPR), and that's all in addition to Bradley classes, etc...and I would say that we would take them all again if we had it to do again.

MsPurple24

The Husband got a lot out of the newborn care class, because he had zero experience with babies.  I think the only thing I didn't know that they talked about was cord care.

Now the breastfeeding class... we both really benefited from that!  We learned so much about breastfeeding and techniques that we were able to put into practice right away in the hospital.  I definitely recommend that one.

Dragonfly_Bride

Lol, I've taken the bf class at kaiser (my sil needed me for some reason to go since her dh couldn't make it). I think that's a good one to take , especially with your spouse ( not your sister in law).

skirby

I work with kids (and babies in the past), and took child development classes in college. I'm also a big reader, so I didn't feel the newborn class taught be much that I didn't already know.  We left the newborn care class at break, after reading through the PowerPoint slides and asking the instructor for permission to leave (I'm such a rule follower...). However, if you don't have experience with babies, and are more of an auditory learner, then YES, go to the classes!

If you go to the breastfeeding class, take your husband/significant other. I didn't, and felt very out of place since almost everyone else had. You will need his support with breast feeding!

If you chose not to attend the classes, I wonder if you can ask for the PowerPoint handouts? All the info is there.

In the hospital ask for help from the nurses so you can figure out breastfeeding. If you have the slightest bit of trouble, pick up the phone and call them in. Make sure your husband/significant other is there to hear, too. Once you're out of the hospital, don't hesitate to go in and talk to the lactation consultant. You can take your baby, and your pump if you use one, and get hands-on help. This is what helped us be successful with BF!

Happy Learning!  

norcal

Thanks everyone for the feedback!