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April 13, 2005
Breastfeeding Class
As part of our Childbirth Prep package we also get a breastfeeding class and a newborn care class. Last night was the (3 hour) breastfeeding class, which was run by a board certified lactation consultant, in our case called Ayelet.
We ran through all the basics, such as anatomy, latch, how to tell whether the baby's getting enough to eat, how to tell when things are or aren't going well, feeding goals and "diaper goals" as it were... when you should be seeing what and how often in the first days, weeks and months etc.
Two videos also made up part of the class, one Australian one and one Norwegian one. The Norwegian one especially was quite hilarious in parts, though probably not entirely intentionally... you try keeping a straight face when they have this still shot of a rose bud next to a nipple, as they apparantly compare both due to being delicate things.
But on a serious note, the videos are pretty helpful, especially to just see technique in action. Breastfeeding is apparantly a learned behaviour, which the LC illustrated with a story of a gorilla born and bred in captivity who didn't know what to do with her baby once it arrived. When her second pregnancy rolled around zookeepers apparantly called in La Leche League who got mothers to sit in shifts breastfeeding in front of her exhibit. Not much interest during pregnancy, but when the gorilla's second baby arrived she finally took note and eventually started copying the human mothers. In much the same way we learn technique by observing others. Obviously this was a lot easier when we were surrounded by breastfeeding women, which hasn't been the case in certain countries over the last couple of decades. Having grown up around aunts and relatives breastfeeding in public and during family gatherings, it was never something I really questioned either, and then I realised that I don't think I've seen a single breastfeeding mother while I've lived here. Not that I keep an eye out for it especially, but it just struck me. So Ayelet recommended dropping in at lactation support groups (preferably while pregnant too, but also after), either the ones they run twice a week at our birthing class place, or those that La Leche League run around the country, as women attending would obviously be breastfeeding, and would likely let you watch if you ask. And also just generally for the support seeing as most groups are run by LC's or other experienced women, and it's possible that you have nobody in your environment to ask for help or tips.
She also gave some book recommendations as well, some of which I'd already been eyeing, so it was nice to know I was on the right track. I believe she mentioned a quote, or fact, from one called So That's What They're For! (though I could be misremembering that she got it from there)... that Michael Jordan was breastfed, and apparantly for 3 years, and that Michael Jackson wasn't. Needless to say that got a giggle. (And for those reading who are going to consider commenting in a defensive way, please, don't bother... the post was titled breastfeeding class, so I consider that more than enough warning that this wasn't going to be formula friendly).
Other than the general info and videos, and her demonstrating technique with a doll, she also came around to each couple, getting each prospective mother to actually try the technique with the doll (and "My Brest Friend" nursing pillow) so that she could see if we got the info and technique down, insofar as you can with a doll that doesn't respond, and whether it needed adjusting.
Ayelet was a lot of fun all around, with humorous presentation of the class and information, and a just cool person. She also reminded us that the lactation group she works for takes phone questions/consultations for free, which is nice if you need help. Other than that you can of course enquire after more extensive services there, or drop by at the twice weekly lactation classes they do at Realbirth, which are usually run by one of the Lactation Consultants from that lactation group.
Definitely worth it, especially as very small things can cause pain and discomfort, and often only require little adjustments, but they can make a world of difference.
Posted on 08:55 PM to: Pregnancy