But. . . it doesn't come as naturally as you would hope. Yet, it can be achieved with preparedness, stamina and a will to become successful for the sake of both mom and baby.
Did you know that although our breastfeeding initiation rates are quite high within the US and more specifically within New Mexico (if this is where you are reading from), the breastfeeding rates shown to be significant at 12 months are not where we need to be. It is important to realize we have work to do, and it starts with proper education for YOU so that we as healthcare professionals can say that what you as the patient deserves, has been provided for and thoroughly explained.
The statistics shown within the graphic below is not meant to scare, discourage or demean our efforts or yours but rather is a deep call to action for you as a parent to ensure you prepare yourself adequately and we as your educators give you what you need. Being informed starts with you and the fact that you are even considering attending a class already puts you at a greater advantage to achieve success and partake in an unforgettable experience that you will not regret.
The World Health Organization (2013) states that a "systematic review of the available evidence suggests that breastfeeding education is effective in increasing both the rate of breastfeeding initiation and breastfeeding duration." Meaning that, if you simply make the effort to prepare and equip yourself prior to entering into breastfeeding and all that comes with it, you are automatically setting yourself up for heightened success in getting started postpartum - as well as potentiating the time in which your experience in providing breast milk to your baby lasts.
In these times, we are so fortunate as a nation to have the resources, ability and funding to provide breastfeeding preparation classes for any couple who wishes to partake in them. And seemingly, it would be a no-brainer that you utilize your time in beginning to understand how the process works, the do's and dont's and what to do when the going gets tough!
But yet, why jump into something you know NOTHING about right?
Culturally, we like to know what we are getting ourselves into, what
it will look like, how long will it take and will it be comfortable, beneficial
and perhaps, even fun??
As a lactation educator for an amazing OB/Gyn practice here in town - luckily, I have all those answers and more for you!
So lets jump in. . . shall we?
When do I take a class?
You can enroll in a breastfeeding preparation class anywhere from the beginning of your pregnancy, all the way up until just days before your baby is born. However, you will likely find it most beneficial to wait towards the end of your second trimester and perhaps the beginning of your third - in order to retain the information and utilize it within a reasonable time frame after taking part in the class.
Cost and Class Specifics
Most classes are known to be either free (state run/peer-counselor led) or for a small, reasonable fee when taught by a private institution such as the office in which you are receiving prenatal care or a lactation clinic within the area in which you live. Seeking out a prepared and experienced instructor such as a lactation educator, RN specialized in breastfeeding or an IBCLC (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant) will help ensure that you are receiving pertinent, up to date and valid information to trust and put into practice.
As for a class similar to mine, you can expect that you would spend a morning or evening learning about 'all things' breastfeeding. Approximately two to four hours is a common duration and should make you feel fully informed and more prepared than when you walked in the door! And don't forget
. . . bringing dad along for the ride is usually extremely helpful and encouraged, so that an extra set of ears gets to hear the things to remind you of as you muddle through the first days after baby arriving.
Similarly, significant others are shown to be such great resources when you need provide an extra hand to help as you learn to latch baby on your own, a great help in grabbing you some water and a snack and truly, best of all - being the expert diaper changer and burper so that you don't feel alone in caring for that sweet baby!
What will I learn?
Look for a class that provides information upon latching your baby, what to expect in the hospital and how to ask for help, ways to maintain you and baby's health during your breastfeeding journey and all the tips and tricks you would otherwise have to figure out on your own if you didn't choose to attend class such as information about: returning to work, where you can breastfeed or pump in public and how to manage breastfeeding with chronic health conditions. These are just the basics that will make you feel like you got the best out of your time and attendance, anything extra is definitely a bonus!What do I get out of it?
As a lactation educator, it is important to me that you not only hear the words coming out of my mouth and retain it for the time being... but also that, when you are thrown a whole other slew of new information during your labor and delivery experience (which trust me, it will happen) you have tangible things to refer back to when you are in the thick of real life happenings between you, baby and the breast!
So - though handouts aren't essential - in my mind they are a must & always seem to be largely appreciated by not only mom but dad too. It is nice for him to have something to gently slip next to the glass of water he brings you when the tears are flowing & you aren't sure how to fix the painful latch or engorgement you are experiencing soon after baby is nestled in your arms. Credible pieces of information to "latch" onto are much more valuable in a speed bump you're trying to overcome as opposed to googling and becoming discouraged before you even find a solution!
Is a class really worth it?
Though it may seem silly or perhaps even reverting back to your good old, high school health class when your breastfeeding instructor hands you a plastic baby to practice latches, positions and logistics while holding your nursling: I promise it serves a promise & will hopefully work to serve as a source of muscle memory when you are ready to live it out & make things happen! Enjoy the time between you and your partner living out those movie scenes of birthing and breastfeeding classes, it truly WON'T be that corny. ;-) But all jokes aside, it IS worth it and as your enter into parenthood or continue upon that journey, you will find that ensuring you know what you need to know NEVER hurts and only helps to smooth the hard parts into manageable times to work through.
What do I bring?Usually when attending a breastfeeding prep course, you can expect to find that most material and supplies will be readily available for your use once you arrive to class. I would recommend eating before because we all know that baby is sucking all those calories from mama's body & you don't want to be hungry while trying to focus on the important details! Bring along a bottle of water to stay hydrated and maybe a notebook and pen to take notes on everything that strikes you as important. If you are reading this prior to attending my personal class - I provide note taking paper, pens and a folder with hand outs, along with a breastfeeding encouragement card to keep with you along the way as a "thanks" for attending and listening to me show my passion which I'm always hoping transfers over to you!
What if I miss out on taking a class?
Here's the deal. Education is key but it isn't the 'end all - be all' if you miss out, deliver unexpectedly sooner than anticipated or simply can't find one that works with your schedule. There are plenty of online resources and/or support groups to attend afterwards to help you with the workable kinks in your initial days of breastfeeding. Lactation visits are there for a reason and are covered by health insurance costs these days, so utilize them whether you take a class or not. If I haven't run the word "resources" into the ground by this point in the post - I'm not sure how to better convey how important it is to ask for help, seek out information and incorporate it all into what works for you and your family!
If this isn't my first baby, should I still take a class?
Of course! Sometimes life circumstances don't provide an easy way for you to take it the first time you give birth, or maybe breastfeeding ended up being sorely disappointing, difficult or was not even posed as an option in your prenatal care timeframe. Whatever the case, it's never too late. Each baby is different and therefore, each breastfeeding journey will vary in experiences as well! Explaining to your instructor your prior situation will help her to tailor the information to you and newbies alike.
And in the end...
May you find that education makes you feel empowered. Preparation makes you feel strong. And information gives you the will to keep going and NEVER QUIT ON YOUR WORST DAY!
~As always, please reach out to me whether you are considering taking my
personal class at Women's Specialists of NM or if you need support from
afar, no matter where that may be~
Keep going mama, you are who your baby needs.
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