Breastfeeding Class?

asuchic

Sorry if this has been asked already, but I was wondering what your ladies' thoughts were on taking a breastfeeding class if you're a FTM.  I've seen it suggested on other websites and books, but I'm curious if anyone here actually took a class and whether or not you thought it was helpful.

evertz

I'm starting a 6 week birthing/baby care class. I'm hoping they'll cover a lot of breastfeeding topic in that at some point. If not, I might take a 1 day class just to better prepare. I have questions too, I had my nipples pierced a long time ago and have questions about how it will affect my ability to breastfeed. That's the main reason I'd like to go to one.

tondraluv

This is a good question, I am a FTM & am debating taking one next week.  My hospital offers it at a fee in addition to a lactation support class every thursday once baby comes for free.  My questions is did the other moms go to a class like this before of after baby was here?

skoogirl

I am glad I read some books beforehand, but I think a breastfeeding class in advance would be a little like trying to learn to ride a bike without a bike.

Lhyacinth888

I read a few books before and then referenced some of them during bf'ing. The biggest help for me were the lactation consultants that came around to help after DS was first born. I didn't take a class but felt I had good knowledge and support with the LC's.

danuli8

My midwife strongly suggested I take a breastfeeding class. I have been going to La Leche League meetings and reading books, but I think a class will provide some additional info I can't get elsewhere. I'm pretty sure the hospital where I deliver offers them.

skoogirl

Lhyacinth888:

I read a few books before and then referenced some of them during bf'ing. The biggest help for me were the lactation consultants that came around to help after DS was first born. I didn't take a class but felt I had good knowledge and support with the LC's.

This.  I had 2 full-time LCs in my room for 2 straight days trying to get DS to latch.

cheesecakerunner

My plan is to attend a few La Leche Leauge meetings before April to learn more. I also borrowed Ina may's Breastfeeding book from a friend, but haven't cracked it open yet. I figure the more I know beforehand, the better shot I might have.

amelia318

I am taking one that is offered free through the hospital where I will be delivering. My OB highly recommended that I take it.

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Dunkin

My DH and I took one for my first child. It was a HUGE help. It reinforced things from the books, but it also talked a lot about how the DH can help support you during the first few weeks especially.  That came in handy a week after I had been home, and was crying because we had a setback with nursing.  My DH was able to help me take a deep breath, suggest some things I had forgotten, and really help.  I was really glad I had taken the class, since the lactation consultants at the hospital were not around for the first 3 days, and were less than helpful. 

UberBiz

evertz:

I'm starting a 6 week birthing/baby care class. I'm hoping they'll cover a lot of breastfeeding topic in that at some point. If not, I might take a 1 day class just to better prepare. I have questions too, I had my nipples pierced a long time ago and have questions about how it will affect my ability to breastfeed. That's the main reason I'd like to go to one.

I had both my nipples pierced, too, and took them out prior to being pregnant with DD. She nursed just fine and it didn't affect the breastfeeding experience at all. I didn't go to any classes prior to DD, I had a nurse in the hospital help me latch her on and that in itself was so helpful. I also read the book Breastfeeding for Dummies. I'm usually not a fan of the "Dummies" series, but it was very helpful.

jbrosenk

I am going to take the free class offered at Babies R Us!

Ann003

DH and I went to a breast feeding class and we both found it very informative. I intend to use the LC consultants at the hospital and hire one to come to my home if necessary my insurance covers a licensed LC. But it was really helpful to just get some questions answered and for DH to see how he could be a support/helper.

asuchic

Thanks for all the input, ladies!  The class I'm looking at is offered through the hospital and is only $25.  From what you all have told me, it sounds like it's at least worth that.

agytay

Here are my BF tips: 

 - Take the class if it is of minimal cost. 

 - Lurk on the BF board now, so you can get an idea about some of the experiences that mothers are having

 - Find a lactation consultant prior to being in the hospital

 - check out www.Kellysmom.com. It is the bible for breastfeeding

 -  Read a few books, "So that's what they are there for" is a good one

But yes, BF is something that is extremely practical. There is no way to prepare for it, except to go in with the expectation that it does not come natural and at first, you will not look like the pictures of the women they show in the glider. 

Angela814

I thought it was very helpful. I had absolutely no experience with bfing before DD1 was born, and I don't think I would have learned as much from a book. I do tend to learn better from watching or hands on also.

wiggles527

I've signed up for every available class!   But MH's insurance allows me take as many classes as I want with no cost.  He works at the hospital and the classes are given at the hospital.  I've signed up for childbirth classes (starts Wed), Happiest Baby on the Block seminar, child care seminar that includes first aid/CPR course, and a nursing class for BF.  I'm a FTM as well and am always being told the horror stories of BF from others.  I know that latching part is the hardest but the hospital will usually make sure baby gets a proper latch before you leave.  I think that will help a lot.

If you decide not to take the class, make sure there are lactation consultants that you can contact.  That way, if you are having any issues or any questions, there is a specialist to ask.  I think the Le Leche organization can set you up with lactation consultants in your area. 

wiggles527

CoffeeMonster19:

Mine was really helpful.  Husbands were also encouraged to attend, and it helped my husband understand how hard breast feeding can be.  I would recommend going to one!

I was wondering about that.  I figured MH probably wouldn't want to attend a nursing class so I didn't tell him so he could adjust his schedule for that class.  He just told me the other day that he would like to come so he can better understand.  It surprised me but I was also glad he wants to come.  I just didn't know how awkward it might be for him

colleenh01

FTM here, taking the breast feeding class in February.

hatroopes

FTM here and I'm taking one in February offered through my OB's office. It's 3 hours on a Saturday. All I've read on here suggest it's a good idea to take one.

silverfanatic

I went to one last night that I found extremely helpful. If you can get one free, paid by insurance or at least cheap, I'd highly recommend going. The lactation consultant from the hospital covers so much information that I never even dreamed of asking or knowing. Def. think it's a good move to learn now because they want your baby to eat after delivery.

nyki06

If you're taking a childbirth class I would check to see if they discuss breastfeeding at all? An entire day of my class was dedicated to learning about breastfeeding so I wouldn't have found it that helpful. If it wouldn't have been covered in my childbirth class I would have taken a class because it was a high priority for me to breastfeed and had never been exposed to it.