Breastfeeding class?

[Anonymous]

Has anyone found it useful to take a Breastfeeding class (Inova hospital) before the baby is born? I have recently heard horror stories about new moms who have had a tough time with breastfeeding, and I wonder if a class could help? Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I took one with my husband from a lactation consultant (not at Inova, and I can't remember her name right now...). It didn't seem that helpful at the time, but once the baby was born I was glad we'd done it. And I was glad DH had come too -- he actually would suggest positions we'd learned in class and try to help me with the latch.

The MOST helpful thing, though, was that there was an LC on staff at our pediatrician's office, so when we went in for check-ups, she could observe me nurse and troubleshoot. It's worth having the contact info of an LC who can help you after the birth if you need it.

And I think a class is worth it, esp if you don't know much about breastfeeding (as I didn't). Like: what's a good/bad latch, what's normal/temporary discomfort and what's get-help pain, what positions are there to try, etc.

FWIW, mine was not a horror story. We had some trouble because our baby was jaundiced and early and verrrry sleepy, and so fell asleep a lot before eating much. But the actual breastfeeding itself wasn't particularly difficult or painful.

[Anonymous]

Yes, definitely take a class. Esp. if you are committed to breastfeeding. It will help you and your husband.

[Anonymous]

The MOST helpful thing, though, was that there was an LC on staff at our pediatrician's office, so when we went in for check-ups, she could observe me nurse and troubleshoot. It's worth having the contact info of an LC who can help you after the birth if you need it.

Agree. I took the class at the Breastfeeding Center and it was worthwhile just for a little comfort before the baby arrived, and I saw the LC at the hospital (sibley), but the single best piece of advice I got from a friend was to pick a ped with an LC. We were there several times in the first couple weeks (2 normal appts, 1 specifically b/c/o DC's low weight and BF issues), and seeing the LC each time was fabulous. Once we got on the right track, BFing has been relatively easy, but the first couple weeks were hairy and nothing I learned in the class would have helped without seeing someone in person. Second best would be an independent LC, but if you haven't picked a ped yet, having one on staff is a big draw.