Can't make my B/F class, any suggestions?

[DDowning]

The hospital where I'm delivering only offers breastfeeding classes once a month. This months date is March 29th and I'll be out of town, I originally signed up for April 12th but now can't make it because of my required attendance at a family event and the last date is May 31 which is to close to my due date. Do I really need this class? Would it be better just to make sure a lactation consultant is on standby at the hospital when I do deliver? Any thoughts?

[Momof3Labs]

It really depends on the class - I found mine very helpful. I really would not have known where to start with nursing positions, latch-on, etc, without that class. Is there somewhere else (maybe another hospital) where you can take a class? Some LCs even offer their own class.

If nothing else, sign up for the May 31 class - you may deliver on time or late (most first time moms do), so it may still work for you. I went into labor the morning after my last bf'ing class (two weeks early)!

[JerseyMom]

I have read two books on breastfeeding so far, and while I am no expert I figured I knew more than most 1st time Moms. I also attended a class. And while the class didn't teach me anthing new, it clarified quite a few things that confused me in both books. Breastfeeding is so simple and yet a very complicated dance between a new mom and a new baby.

I think you should call and see if you could arrange a private class to help prepare you for the basics. After you give birth you will want the help of the lactation specialists, but having some core knowledge before the excitment and exhaustion of giving birth can only put you and baby on the right track.

Good luck.

[mharling]

I just attended by breastfeeding class and found it very helpful. It was also good to find out what to expect from the nurses and lactation consultants after I deliver.

I agree with Lori; go ahead and sign up for the one on May 31. If you can't make the class maybe you could just arrange to speak with the lactation consultant on your own.

My hospital also offers a weekly breastfeeding 'support' meeting for mommies and babies. Whether you can or can't make the class on the 31st, you may want to find out if your hospital has something similar.

Mary
EDD 4/5/03

[C99]

Deidra,

I found the BFing class at my hospital to be very helpful. And if Nate wasn't a pre-term, I wouldn't have access to the LCs at the hospital. As it was, they didn't come to see me until 36 hours after Nate was born. I'd advise you to sign up for the May 31 class -- you may not go early. Two other things to consider are (1) taking the class at another hospital and (2) attending a La Leche League meeting sometime before your due date -- a lot of them have "theme" meetings that deal with different aspects of breastfeeding.

HTH

[egoldber]

You may want to check with the hospital you will be delivering at. I actually delivered the day before my class (oh well!!). But the hospital had classes two days a week for mothers who had just delivered. There were also LC available for anyone at the hospital, during regular business hours.

HTH,

[jojo2324]

Hi Deidra!

I read a couple of books regarding breastfeeding (and a lot of info was sprinkled throughout pregnancy books too), and I found the best one to be the Breastfeeding Book by the Sears. It is focused solely on breastfeeding, and it goes through everything that could come into play, especially positions for both you and the baby, also diet, ways to combat discomfort, etc. Here is a link to Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0316779245/qid=1047600080/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/104-7550432-5583944?v=glance&s=books

I never took a BFing course either. My hospital was the same way, only offering them once a month. And they only offered Lamaze once every two months!! When I did deliver, there was minimal help from the staff. An intern did come, squeeze my nipple and insert it into Gannon's mouth. I verified with them that I knew *exactly* where my areolas were, and that was about it! :D

Just a note: I know that some people swear by the Sears and others don't. For me they provide great resource books that I can thumb through and read info about vaccines, developmental stages, etc. But that is all the books provide for me: information. Not a way of parenting. Not that their way is wrong or bad, because I do practice some of their methods...I just don't want you to think that I am pushing them on you. Good luck with everything! :D

[emilyf]

I didn't take a class, friends who did say it was nice but not necessary. I think most hospitals are good about having lactation consultants around-they kept popping in and out of my room to see if things were going ok, and were available by phone after I got home. I found them a great resource even though I had done a lot of research-like most of us, I found bfing a challenge at first. Because my mom had nursed 4 kids I figured she would help me through it, and she did to a certain extent but those consulants are great for encouragement and to answer questions. I think most of your questions will arise after you start, so I don't know if you can ever be totally prepared!
Emily
mom of Charlie born 11/02

[DDowning]

Thanks everyone, I think I'll take the advice and reschedule to the May 31st class. I'll also check out some of the book suggestions too. Thank you all!

[DDowning]

Looks like I'll be okay after all. I called another local hospital and they have a class for April 26th. That will be perfect. Thanks again everyone!

[colleenfs]

Definitely take the class. My hospital offered b-feeding classes twice daily to new moms just after delivery. I found this especially helpful since I then had the essential "prop!"

Colleen
Mama to Julia 1-10-02

[SASM]

I didn't take a BFing class. Granted I had a difficult time initially, I think that most women do. I have found a lot of resources to help us.

The hospital where you deliver should have a LC on hand to help you out. We went back to the hospital the two mornings following the discharge to have a consultation ~ they were so helpful. Also, utilize the staff nurses and LCs while you are still inpatient ~ ask them as many questions as you can! Our hospital also has a BFing support group that meets monthly.

Your OB office probably has a LC on staff, as well, who can help you.

Also, check with your pediatrician office. My Ped is in a hospital so when I first visited with Ian I was able to get a LC consult in a matter of minutes. Your Ped should have a list of LCs. The Ped should be a wealth of info, especially if they are pro-BFing. :-)

And there is always the LaLeche League. There are usually several outreach people who you can call with questions.

I also made sure that I had an arsenal of books on hand for the first few days and weeks, so take a trip to your local library and stock up (on BFing and baby care in general).

Good luck :-)