BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

How useful are breastfeeding classes as opposed to just getting help by one of the nurses after he arrives and using a lactation consultant if I need?

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

I bf'd both of my dcs and never took a class, but did make full use of the lactation consultant after I had my first dc. I just expected bfing to come so natural, but it didn't at first. I had a really hard time in the hospital - i also had a c-section so always wonder if that was an issue. But i really took advantage of the lactation consultant and she was great. By the time I got home, my ds was bfing like a champ.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

i dont think it it could hurt. I tried to breast feed DS but he wouldnt latch on so i pumped for a while. I never too a class, but i took full advantage of the lactation consultants. And i took a class when i was still in the hospital before i went home. I dont know if i would hav benefited anymore from a class, but u never know.
Im going to try and BF , hopefully its a success this time.

BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

i took a BF class at Stony Brook hospital and i thought it was pretty helpful. i also read a few books. i think they can help prepare you and it gives you an opportunity to ask lots of questions.

with that said, i still needed a lot of help in the hospital after i had the baby. it helps to learn about it before hand, but things like getting the baby to latch are things that are difficult to learn and understand until you are trying to do it.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

It's definitely helpful but I still needed a lot of help with LC's afterwards. Hopefully it'll be one of those things where you'll be lucky and have no problems BUT if not, any extra knowledge could be really great. Let's just say the first time around, I was planning for the birth part, the lack of sleep etc...I hate NO NO NO clue just how hard BFing could be. I knew it would be difficult (or could be) but had NO idea how much stress it could really cause and I was totally shocked. So if you can afford to and have the time, I'd go to the class

BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

I think they are very helpful so you have an idea of what is normal/not normal. Plus some of the LC's are not super helpful so its good to be armed with soem of your own info.

You can even watch videos online or read books!!

BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

I was going to take a class in the hospital. When it ended up just being me and one other mom in the class, the LC decided to do private sessions with each of us which was really nice. I was lucky things worked well for me but she definitely gave me some good tips to help things along. It also helped that DS was actually there with me vs. taking a class before he was born. She was able to adjust and maneuver him to get the best results.

DS' pediatrician is also an LC so I figured if I had challenges after, she could help.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

Sometimes the nurses aren't entirely helpful, and the lactation consultants aren't always at the hospital. I think it could be helpful to take a class that covered any common issues you may encounter, and whats normal for nursing vs whats not.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

The only thing I gained from the breastfeeding class I took was how to sleep train.

I think if you're interested go, but you learn the most while actually doing it and going thru the motions.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

Pregnant with my first and I took the one at Good Sam a few weeks ago and found it helpful. It was only 3 hours and not expensive. I got useful info and thought it was totally worth it for the expense and time put into it.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

I won a free BF class on here when I was pregnant with Anthony. I found it super helpful and I got a lot out of the class! I say go for it!! It's obviously a different ball game when you have a real baby as opposed to the doll they teach you with, but you will definitely remember little tidbits from the class that will be helpful. You have nothing to lose!

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

A friend of mine did an in home class for me and DH. I found it helpful since this was my first LO and had no clue what I was doing.
If you like I can FM you her info.

ETA: I did not find the LC at the hospital very helpful. She seemed to be rushing me (if that makes any sense) and did not seem to have patience with me. (This was on a holiday weekend, maybe she was looking to go home).

Message edited 5/28/2013 12:26:15 PM.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

I would take a class, but I would also find a lactation consultant, without a doubt. They are so helpful to have.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

i took the class at LIJ and didnt find it helpful. If you are undecided about bfing i would go, but if you know you want to try i wouldnt bother taking the class bc they spent a majority of the time going over the benefits of breastfeeding.
then they give you a doll and show you positions.
the hardest part about bf-ing (at least in my opinion) is getting the baby to latch...no doll or lecture can help you with that so for me i found having the baby and a lactation consultant was much more beneficial.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

Thanks everyone, this was very helpful! If I do decide to inquire about a class, did anyone take the one at Winthrop? Was it helpful?

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

I didn't do a class before I had DD. In the end I didn't wish that I had because no matter what I needed to learn WITH her. I had a breastfeeding book though that I used as reference when issues came up - that I wish I had read cover to cover before she was born.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

Posted by CarlieJLD7

Posted by PennyCat

Thanks everyone, this was very helpful! If I do decide to inquire about a class, did anyone take the one at Winthrop? Was it helpful?

I took it at Winthrop and I Liked the class... I remember getting lots of tips... I BF for 18 months. IDK if its the same person teaching the class but this was about 3 years ago.

Also... take advantage while you are in the Hosp of the lactation consultants and the nurses... they also helped me tremendously!

Good Luck!

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

Posted by PennyCat

Posted by CarlieJLD7

Posted by PennyCat

Thanks everyone, this was very helpful! If I do decide to inquire about a class, did anyone take the one at Winthrop? Was it helpful?

I took it at Winthrop and I Liked the class... I remember getting lots of tips... I BF for 18 months. IDK if its the same person teaching the class but this was about 3 years ago.

Also... take advantage while you are in the Hosp of the lactation consultants and the nurses... they also helped me tremendously!

Good Luck!

This is good to know! I actually just called and signed up, I figured I have nothing to lose ..... They said people bring their husbands, I haven't called my dh to tell him yet but I think he may be surprised to hear he's coming to a breastfeeding class with me!

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

I BF my son and never took a class. We did use a private lamaze instructer and she gave me some useful tips but i dont think it was NECESSARY - the lactation consultant i the hospital was a help too

and i have to add i took a class at the hospital that was a big help - DH came w/ me, he was the only DH there but im SO GLAD he was!! He helped me a lot through the process and i probably wouldnt have been able to do it with out him. He remembered a lot of stuff i didnt too

Message edited 5/28/2013 4:01:38 PM.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

I didn't take one but wish I had. There is so much more to it than you realize. Like I said to one nurse: Most natural thing in the world, my ass!
Some nurses are more helpful than others and the LC's can be hit or miss too. So I say, yes, can't hurt. And ask about potential issues with PCOS and supply...I asked Dr. Useless and of course he blew me off but I had major supply issues due to the PCOS. GL, Momma!

BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

My experience, the nurses know shit about bfing. They all have something different to say. I wish I took the class. If your dedicated to making this work, get the name and number of ur hospitals LC and some private LCs if need be.

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?

Re: BTDT moms.. how useful is a breastfeeding class?