Breastfeeding Class or Lactation Consultant?

Duckie07 · June 2011

Which would you recommend, taking class before the baby gets here or waiting to see a lactation consultant once the baby arrives? I really hope to be able to breastfeed DD#2 longer than I did DD#1. We didn't take a class or see a consultant last time. We're thinking that we need to do one or the other in hopes that I can be successful breastfeeding DD#2. I don't think we'll have the money to do both (I'm not even sure about finding a time to take a class since we would need a sitter for DD) but we really want to be better informed on breastfeeding this time around. What about breastfeeding book? Can anyone at least recommend a good, informative, non-judgemental book to read? Thoughts?

Slobina · June 2011

I would go with the lactation consultant. I did both (class before and lactation consultant after). The breastfeeding class, while it was good, just wasn't effective without the baby already being here. The lactation consultant is going to help you when you are actually trying to nurse, and will be available for support when you have questions, etc.

Mrs.Talala · June 2011

I took the breast feeding class at Special Addition with Cheryl and then met with her after I had LO because we were having problems BFing. I really enjoyed the class but if I could only do one I would probably wait and set up an apt. with an LC after birth if you need it. You get lots of one on one time and advice that is specific to you and LO during the consultation, while the class is more general information. We were having issues that I didn't expect so the consultation with the LC was really helpful to me; but I can see if BFing goes really well you may not need that.

Not sure where you are delivering but hopefully there will be an LC there you can meet with as soon as you have the baby.

I dont know of any good books, but I thought the Kelly Mom website was a really helpful resource on all things BFing. https://www.kellymom.com/ Maybe that would be a good way to get some good free info ahead of time?

Persa · June 2011

Mrs.Talala:
I took the breast feeding class at Special Addition with Cheryl and then met with her after I had LO because we were having problems BFing. I really enjoyed the class but if I could only do one I would probably wait and set up an apt. with an LC after birth if you need it. You get lots of one on one time and advice that is specific to you and LO during the consultation, while the class is more general information. We were having issues that I didn't expect so the consultation with the LC was really helpful to me; but I can see if BFing goes really well you may not need that.
Not sure where you are delivering but hopefully there will be an LC there you can meet with as soon as you have the baby.
I dont know of any good books, but I thought the Kelly Mom website was a really helpful resource on all things BFing. https://www.kellymom.com/ Maybe that would be a good way to get some good free info ahead of time?

Agree with this....It's much more effective with a baby there. Save the money for the class and just get a book before hand. I skimmed Making More Milk and it was nice but I'm sure other's have recs as well or see what's highly rated on Amazon.

Cheryl is great and the other one that I liked is Linda Hill at Capital Pedi (don't have to be a patient there).

MrsShackleford · June 2011

The class was good to get DH stoked about BFing. He got all into it, drawing diagrams on proper latch, etc (yeah, he's a nut).

The LC appt after we had DD was excellent and really helped my confidence and DD's slow weight gain.

If I had to choose, the LC was the best use of time and $$.

GL

jml5q · June 2011

Ditto the others that if you can only do one probably the LC would be the best. Maybe you can youtube breastfeeding teaching videos or something of that sort. I just remember watching a lot of videos in the class we went to.

I also really like this book. i'm pretty sure i got it free from the hospital or in some gift bag, but i thought it was a good instructional book without being judgemental. plus, it's pretty short.

SaraLouiseBride08 · June 2011

I agree with everyone above.

IMO, everything you can learn in a class before baby, you can read online. When you need the hands on help is after baby is here when you are having specific problems.

Good luck!

brooke152 · June 2011

We took a BF class and while it was helpful, I don't really think it was necessary. Most of the things that she went over I had already heard/learned about on here. The videos were great, but I'm sure you can You Tube instructional videos.

I am just starting to read the book, So That's What They're For. I am still on the intro but so far it doesn't sound too judgy. It is kind of thick though, and the print is small, so it might seem a little daunting. At least it is for me at this point.

https://www.amazon.com/Thats-What-Theyre-Definitive-Breastfeeding/dp/159337285X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309380772&sr=8-1