Hubby @ Breastfeeding class?

[Anonymous]

I am signed up to take a breastfeeding class at Sibley and they say they recommend partners coming to the class. Has anyone taken this class and do partners really go? Hubby will go if I ask him to, but will he really get any value out of it or would it help me to have him there (I guess to remind me if I forget stuff??)? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I'm signed up to take a breastfeeding class at Holy Cross soon. At first I thought my hubby could skip this one, but my friend who recently took the same class advised me to bring hubby along. She said there were many hubbies in the Holy Cross class and she was glad her hubby was there to learn about the breastfeeding process - it helped him appreciate what she was going to undertake. Don't know if Sibley will be the same way, but I imagine hubbies will attend if Holy Cross is any indication.

[Anonymous]

I took the class at Holy Cross and didn't bring my husband and wish that I would have brought him. I was one of the only pepple without my husband. It was a very helpful class and he would have learned a lot about being supportive.

[Anonymous]

Breastfeeding is basically a full-time job for the first six weeks - and continues as a major part of your family's life until you wean. It really helps to have buy-in from your partner or spouse and to have them feel knowledgeable and (to the extent possible) engaged in the process with you.

Plus, for many of us, it can be tricky. It is a learned skill, not just simple intuitive thing like many mothers expect. We used to grow up seeing women nurse and nursing and raising our children in a community of women who could help us. Now, we have our partners and lactation consultants

[Anonymous]

My DH came to a class w/ me at Sibley. It was about half and half (with and without Hubby) I'd say. But having my husband talk and see and hear about all the ins and outs of bfing from someone other than me really helped! It sort of took all the "squimishness" away (not that there really was any to begin with). I really credit our success with bfing (18months ebf) to him being 100% on board and able to actually HELP me.

[Anonymous]

I went to the class at Sibley. There were probably 12 couples on the night I was there and no women without a partner.

[Anonymous]

PP again, I meant to mention that he will likely get a lot out of it. BFing is sort of a way of life for the first three months or so because it's so constant and demanding. Having your husband with you at the class will help him realize how difficult it is and hopefully make him more supportive, especially during the early struggles.

[Anonymous]

I took a breastfeeding class and asked if husbands came. They assured me that nearly all husbands came. So... told my husband I would appreciate him coming.

When we got there, we got seated and once the class started, he took a very slow and obvious look around - no other men! It was HILARIOUS! He whispered - where are all of the other husbands! You tricked me! However - he was a really good sport and it was good that he attended, because when I was in the middle of breastfeeding hell (weeks 1 and 2!), he was able to be so much more supportive and understanding!

[Anonymous]

I did the BF class at Sibley and it was all couples. Looking back, I am so glad my DH came with me. The class was interesting for both of us, and it set him up well to help during the first few weeks of BF-ing. They say that one of the biggest factors in successful BF-ing is having a partner who is educated and supportive of it. Do yourself a favor and bring him with you!

[Anonymous]

When I delivered at Sibley in March 2006 they offer the breastfeeding class once you've delivered for FREE.
It meets every day and you just walk down the hall in your robe and socks. Its so easy. Its basically the moms who've delivered in the past 24 hours who are in on it. You don't sign up - just go.
I went and left my husband in the room with baby. There was only one mom with her husband. I was one of 2 without the baby.
It was helpful and then you can have the lactation person come to your room. I had her come twice. I then went to Capital Medical Group and met with Holly who was a little overwhelmed (as always). But it still helped.

[Anonymous]

Hopefully your DH will go. You'll need his support and understanding especially in the first few days. I sobbed (darn hormones!) because I was getting so frustrated (and sleep deprived) with nursing and got myself worked up about milk coming in and having enough and engorgement, etc. that having DH there to calm me and review with me what we learned in the BF class was golden.

The class also really helped DH understand stuff. We were both clueless. Like PP said, DH also appreciated the efforts it takes to nurse.

[Anonymous]

OP here - Thanks for all the great feedback. I'm convinced and will definitely have the hubby join. Sounds like there are a lot of good reason for him to attend. Thanks!