Mommies please come in - breastfeeding classes?

thefraziers

Is it worth it/necessary to take BFing classes or is it enough preparation to reada book and speak with the lactation consultants at the hospital after baby is born?  Any good book recs?  Thanks!

tbonegrl

It was covered briefly in my multiples class, but the best help for me was the LCs at the hospital, and at Elizabeth Blackwell.

I loved the book "so that's what they're there for"

 

iheartsean

I had most luck with the consultants afterward.  A class doesn't allow you with "hands on" experience (for obvious reasons)

krae

It's definitely worth taking a class just so your husband can get some information.  He should be your biggest supporter during the first (very hard) 6-8 weeks, but if he doesn't have any information then it will be hard for him to understand what you are going through and why you'll want to quit (and you will want to quit).  Reassure him that there will be other men in the class and that the class is just as much for him as it is for you.

RieTea

I didn't do the class and had the best help from the nurses (not LC) at the hospital. I thought the LC were way too pushy and agressive, but i was a crying wimp and also well-medicated so who knows. Anyways, I think it may have helped with some of the basics but I probably could've read a book too (I didn't do anything in advance, just figured it would suck since I had heard all the horror stories and we would figure it out.). My advice...take extra good gentle care of your girls so they don't get too sore...

Obwon2

I learned alot in the class besides the whole "latching" part. And so did my DH. I recommend taking the class-both of you attend and you will definitely get something out of it!

hungryturtle

I hear the classes are great, but I wasn't able to take one. I did read a book beforehand and watch a video that I borrowed from the library. I found it very helpful to be prepared and in truth BF was about the easiest part of the whole process for us. Part of that was a baby that loves to eat and I think part of it was that I was very relaxed since I felt prepared. It sounds silly but dig our a doll or stuffed animal and practice the positions beforehand. Makes it much easier when they hand you a wriggling baby!

PrincessRock

I would highly recommend taking a class beforehand, after baby is born (Riverside offers a free class every morning at 10:30am after birth), and be sure to request a personal visit from a lactation consultant while in the hospital. I did all of the above and found it all very helpful. The Elizabeth Blackwell Center (at Riverside) has been a tremendous resource for me. I don't know where you're delivering, but definitely call them with any questions/problems. I've been to see them twice since Maisie was born. I also was fitted and bought my nursing bras there. GL!

buffalo_buckeye

I think it depends on what kind of learner you are. I need hands on so the class sucked for me. But the lc's are great help. Just don't be shy:) as you will here it is true, the first 8 weeks are the hardest!