Did you take a breastfeeding class?

TJ1979

I have been meaning to take one, but you know how it goes.  You think you have tons of time, and next thing you know it's the day before your 35/35.  The only bf class left available is 10 days before my due date.  They offer it online as well - has anyone done that?  Ugh, I wish I weren't such a procrastinator!

Trish11278

I'd be curious also with the responses.  I was thinking of taking a class also but didn't know if others thought it was worth it.

kelnyc

Mine is in July. I scheduled it as close to my EDD as possible so the info is fresh in my mind. Same with the Infant CPR class. GL!

mdiblasi10

We did. It was a couples class, which I loved. I think it's important that our husbands understand how it all works and how and when we need their help and support. We both really enjoyed ours. It was given by our hospital. I would say it's never too late

TJ1979

mdiblasi10:

We did. It was a couples class, which I loved. I think it's important that our husbands understand how it all works and how and when we need their help and support. We both really enjoyed ours. It was given by our hospital. I would say it's never too late

It's a 6 hour one day class - you don't think I'll be too uncomfortable that close to my due date to sit there that long?

DeputiesWife

yes and it was completely helpful.

DH went also and he actually retained more than I did.  

mdiblasi10

TJ1979:

mdiblasi10:

We did. It was a couples class, which I loved. I think it's important that our husbands understand how it all works and how and when we need their help and support. We both really enjoyed ours. It was given by our hospital. I would say it's never too late

It's a 6 hour one day class - you don't think I'll be too uncomfortable that close to my due date to sit there that long?

6 hours?! Wow. Ours was only 2 1/2 hours. Hmmm. Is it through your hospital? Do you have any other options for somewhere with a shorter class? I don't think it will be fun sitting there all day that far along. They are usually very understanding that we have to get up frequently, and stretch and use the bathroom, but still.

mandalinn25

We did and it was okay. Our prepared childbirth class was awesome, the breastfeeding one not so much.  I am still glad we took it though. We get access to online videos/help for taking it. I learned much more through that. It was good for dh to hear all the info too. 

mystic_J

I took a class 2 weeks ago at the hospital I'm delivering at. I found it to be helpful. It gave me an idea of what to expect and I have assurance that the lactation consultant will be there for me as needed when I deliver. Though, I don't think anything can really prepare you totally- its something I will learn as I go and hopefully master. But I do recommend taking a class.

sbrowns08

My health system offers a five class "childbirth" course. One of the classes is a breastfeeding class. I happen to be going tomorrow so that I can attend with a friend, however I'll do the other four classes between 33-36 weeks. 

pb_bride

I'm planning to take one, but I haven't registered for it yet, thinking that I still have plenty of time.  Being a totally clueless FTM, I think I need all the help I can get!  FWIW, my ins will reimburse part of the breastfeeding class cost, so that's another incentive for me to take one.  I also plan to do the infant CPR class and a newborn care class (all in addition to the childbirth class).

drubie

You can also see if a local doula has classes offered - mine does a whole series, including breastfeeding. They would be more likely to accommodate your schedule. Not all classes have to be through the hospital

byrne15

We go tomorrow.  I am bringing DH with me, since I think he needs to a learn a thing or two about the other usage of boobs.

TJ1979

byrne15:

We go tomorrow.  I am bringing DH with me, since I think he needs to a learn a thing or two about the other usage of boobs.

Tee hee.  I was wondering whether MH ought to go or not.

mandalinn25

TJ1979:

byrne15:

We go tomorrow.  I am bringing DH with me, since I think he needs to a learn a thing or two about the other usage of boobs.

Tee hee.  I was wondering whether MH ought to go or not.

Ours highly recommended partners to come. Second set of ears and they can learn to support you through the process. GL! 

amandaleigh1

Since I plan to deliver at a hospital, I am planning to make use of the lactation consultants there on staff. I don't have time for all the classes I would like to take.

4legsRbest

I haven't yet, but it is on my list!! I will take an in person class at a BF center that will also do two home visits afterward.

Faith722

I'm planning to take one along with the other childbirth/parenting classes at the hospital. I think it said in the description that you could take it during third tri or after baby is born and take the baby with you to the class.

TJ1979

Faith722:

I'm planning to take one along with the other childbirth/parenting classes at the hospital. I think it said in the description that you could take it during third tri or after baby is born and take the baby with you to the class.

Hmm, ours recommends taking it prior to 36 weeks.  If I take it, I will definitely be breaking that suggestion. 

HotChocolate79

We took it and while at the time I thought it was helpful, it really didn't address the challenging situation that we found ourselves in.  I was clueless about supply issues and really wish I knew about alternatives to bottle feeding but I didn't.  As a result DS ended up being nipple confused and his latch became so bad and painful the only choices I had were to FF or EP.  So I am pumping and intend to for as long as I can.  But I know things would have been different had I explored and been prepared for our issues.  The class didn't talk about any complications at all.  I guess my long winded way of saying be sure to look into this sort of stuff even if you don't think you'll have supply problems.  I never though I would. 

mdiblasi10

mandalinn25:

TJ1979:

byrne15:

We go tomorrow.  I am bringing DH with me, since I think he needs to a learn a thing or two about the other usage of boobs.

Tee hee.  I was wondering whether MH ought to go or not.

Ours highly recommended partners to come. Second set of ears and they can learn to support you through the process. GL! 

I strongly agree with their suggestion of partners coming along. I believe it helps a lot to have their support and DH remembered things I didn't

cutebride73

We just took a breast feeding class last Thursday.  I am really glad that we took it - I was glad DH went with me as well.  I think it was really good for him to hear about things and he said he was glad that he came.  I decided to take the class early since we are expecting twins and I don't know how I will be feeling down the line.  I think you should sign up for it and as long as you feel like going then I would go.  It was worth it IMO.       

missjul61

I took one last night and highly recommend it. They gave great tips on latching, positioning baby and signs to watch for to ensure baby is getting enough milk. It really was encouraging and helped put my nerves at ease and that I can do this! Can you check other hospitals for more options with times?