Did you find that taking a class helped or that the extensive books and reading material were just as helpful and that the class was pretty repetative of what the books say? I want to take a class, but have read some books that are so detailed and helpful that the class is starting to look like it will repeat the books. Should I pay for the class when I can readit online and in books for free??
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Marie
It's A Boy!!
Expected August 2, 2003
Marie,
I think it depends on how you learn best. If you are a hands on learner, you might want to try a class since they usually use dolls to help you learn positions. If you learn best by reading (like I do) than the books should do it. I read "A Nursing Mothers Companion" before my first baby, and that really helped me to be prepared.
I'm not experienced breastfeeder, but I'm experienced at being the daughter of a lactation consultant. The hands down, best book out there about breastfeeding is, 'The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.' I believe it's put out by the La Leche League press.
I did not go to a class, and the only thing I read were the pamphlettes they gave me at the hospital. I found that the nurses at the hospital are usually happy to show you how to do it ... as for practicing, take one of your daughters' larger dolls and try out the different positions that you read about, so that you are familiar and comfortable with them. You just gotta make sure the baby doll's mouth is at the nipple area! If one of the girls asks what the heck you are doing ... well just tell them that you miss playing with dollys!
I never took a class but read several books and found that the best way for me and my baby to learn was just to start doing it. Each child is different and likes different things. My daughter only wanted to the breastfed in one position. Once I found out which way she liked best then it was a breeze. hang in there in the beginning. It can be frustrating, but it is well worth the effort!
Thanks!! My friend said that the discomfort that you first experience depends on the baby and me. If the baby has latching problems then this can pose a problem soreness wise, but if all goes well then discomfort should be minimal. I hear that it is far fetched and unrealistic for people to tell you that breastfeeding even at first should not hurt or be discomforting. Is this true?
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Marie
It's A Boy!!
Expected August 2, 2003
Discomfort?? I dont' know about anyone else, but I have to tell you that personally it was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. And I am one of the people who thought ICK, Ew, not me!
As for discomfort, from a strictly physical point of view, the release of the milk was SO the opposite of discomfort!! The discomfort was if you were out or something without the baby and couldn't feed, you get overfull and ouch!
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is definitely an amazing book, the nurses usually are very helpful with hands on stuff, so my opinion would be not to pay for classes but it's a personal decision. Good luck!
Experienced Breastfeeders! 
... as for practicing, take one of your daughters' larger dolls and try out the different positions that you read about, so that you are familiar and comfortable with them. You just gotta make sure the baby doll's mouth is at the nipple area! If one of the girls asks what the heck you are doing ... well just tell them that you miss playing with dollys! 
