Breastfeeding and child care basics classes?

Keephope2012 · December 2013

So it's starting to hit me that we will soon have a baby in the house and I feel like I know nothing! I know the nurses will teach some things at the hospital but I am a preparer! I had previously planned on going to a few classes but things were disrupted by being put on bed rest.

If you went to a breastfeeding class or child care basics type class did you think it was worthwhile? Thanks!

MJC1116 · December 2013

DH and I took 4 classes offered by our hospital: Breastfeeding Basics, Labor and Delivery, Newborn Care...and I can't remember the last one. They were informative (except the last one that I can't remember! lol). Like you, I'm a planner and needed information going into the big day. But truthfully, what helped me most was a breastfeeding support group AFTER baby came that I went to from the time DD was a newborn to about 3 months. We'd weigh baby to see how much she was getting, the teacher would check latching and she would help with any issues. It was also nice to see other moms and have support. A friend of mine also would go to a Parent Ed at a local church to discuss issues and receive advice and support from other new moms.

BzeetyD · December 2013

We did a 3 night labor class and had our "Breastfeeding and newborn care class" on Saturday. It was really helpful, especially for Mister D.

I think both breastfeeding and labor are sort of hard to wrap your head around until you're actually doing it, but I really like to be informed and have tools and resources to help me out if I feel unsure.

Highly recommend taking classes - if you're that kind of person.

tryingyetagain · December 2013

I don't know if this helps, but I'll chime in. With DS, I took a regular childbirth class but didn't take one specific to BF or childcare. I understood that the hospital had a lactation specialist that would come around after the birth to help. Turned out, she was great and we did fine just with that. DS was a champ and latched on right away and made it very easy on me, which no doubt helped. I've known several women whose babies had issues with latching on at first, and they used nipple guards which did the trick, making it easier for baby.

jezebel57 · December 2013

We took a breastfeeding class because I had no idea what to do with these things. Lol. We are having a c section so not taking a birth class. I feel like a newborn class may benefit me but we never signed up so will be winging it. I have tons of infant experience but starting at 6 weeks so the newborn phase is brand new to me. I you tubed how to give a bath lol.

ld08271 · December 2013

I found my breastfeeding and child care classes really helpful with my DD. I would recommend any first time parent to take advantage of them. The bedrest is a tricky situation though....

I had a lot of issues breastfeeding my DD (low birth weight baby/ poor feeder, barely any milk supply on my part). Beforehand I was naive and thought that everything would work itself out. I used the hospital lactation support but the best resource was a lactation consultant I found who did home visits after the birth! I bet a google search would help you locate someone in your area. It was soooo worth it and I thank the lactation consultant for allowing me to continue breastfeeding. I know my consultant does pre-birth home visits and phone consultations.

Child care class: I bet there are some online resources for women in your same situation.

Good luck!

golfrgal · December 2013

I took the breastfeeding class at my hospital last week and thought it was a waste of time. It lasted 2.5 hours (and this was only "Part I"). The nurse could have told us the tips in about a half hour and saved the torture of having to sit next to some guy who smelled like cigarettes.

We were supposed to go to the Childbirth and Labor class yesterday, but had family emergencies to deal with and missed it. Now I have to wait until January.

ABCs of Bringing Home Baby class is next weekend. DH is thinking this will be the most helpful class (at least for him).

BBColt78 · December 2013

I took a labor class, breastfeeding and a baby care. I actually enjoyed them all. I probably didn't need the labor class as it taught breathing techniques and I went straight to the epi. Couldn't stand the pain! It was still good though just to know what to expect and how to handle the breathing if it suits you.

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