Breastfeeding classes help to provide first-time moms with the necessary knowledge on the health benefits of breast milk for their little ones. These classes also impart various breastfeeding techniques and a deeper understanding of the importance of breastfeeding. In addition, first-time mothers will develop the confidence to breastfeed their baby comfortably and can build a support network through the classes, which helps to make breastfeeding a pleasant experience.
The thought of breastfeeding may leave you with many questions and concerns. You may wonder if you will be able to cope and if your baby will get enough milk.
Most first-time moms deal with the exact same concerns plus a load more which can be downright scary at best.
Fortunately, breastfeeding classes are designed to provide the knowledge and skills you will need to feel confident enough to breastfeed your baby with ease and know when to get help.
Let’s dive right in.
The purpose of breastfeeding classes
Breastfeeding classes help you understand the basics of breastfeeding.
You’ll learn how to position your baby at your breast, know if your baby is latching properly and getting enough milk, how often to feed your little one, identify baby cues, and much more.
You will also learn about the health benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby, such as reducing the risk of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases.
In addition, these classes provide you with the necessary knowledge that will allow you to confidently deal with the many challenges mothers face while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding classes pave the way for a positive and rewarding breastfeeding experience for you and your baby.
With the right information, support, and enough practice, you can enjoy the many benefits of breastfeeding that will give your baby a great start to life.
Benefits of breastfeeding classes
To begin, breastfeeding classes will help you view breastfeeding in a new way which is a natural and healthy way to nourish your baby.
1. Nutrition and a healthy immune system
By breastfeeding, you will provide all the necessary nutrients to support your baby’s growth and development. You will also help to build your baby’s immune system by passing on antibodies through your breastmilk, among other benefits.
Colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, is rich in antibodies and helps protect your baby from infection. As your milk comes in, its composition will change to meet your baby’s evolving needs.
It is primarily for this reason that the American Academy of Pediatricians recommends breastfeeding for the first year and should be exclusive for the first six months until your baby begins eating solids.
2. Building a support network
At the classes, you will meet other moms and be able to form a unique network of real moms in real time who are going through the same experience as you. You are all embarking on a wonderfully rewarding breastfeeding journey.
You will learn about proper latch and breastfeeding techniques that include several feeding positions for your baby. You will also learn how to use breast pumps and other equipment.
The classes give you an ideal opportunity to ask questions, but if you are having trouble with your baby latching, a lactation specialist can help you find a comfortable and effective position.
3. Your milk supply explained
Your milk supply is important and is largely based on supply and demand. The more your baby feeds, the more milk you will produce, and vice versa.
With this, it is important to feed your baby on demand and not according to a strict schedule. Feeding on demand will ensure a healthy milk supply and mitigate engorgement and clogged milk ducts.
4. The value of breastmilk
You will acquire a better understanding of the value of breastmilk for both you and your little one. Studies of breastfed babies have found that they do better on intelligence tests when they grow older.
Breastfeeding facilitates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps your uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size.
The hormones prolactin and oxytocin help to improve your baby’s circadian rhythm and sleep pattern, while oxytocin also promotes bonding between you and your baby.
Other hormones in your breast milk that help with your baby’s sleep pattern are cortisol which helps infants be alert and awake during the day, and melatonin, which is contained in evening breast milk and helps your baby fall asleep.
5. Breastfeeding empowers new moms
As a new mom, attending a breastfeeding class can be immensely helpful.
Breastfeeding classes offer practical learning, support, and coping strategies that can make your experience much smoother and more rewarding.
One of the biggest benefits of breastfeeding classes is building your confidence through knowledge. Let’s face it, breastfeeding can be challenging, and it’s normal to have concerns and tons of questions. Participating and learning does seem like a viable option, right?
You will learn how to cope with common breastfeeding challenges, such as sore nipples, engorgement, etc.
Health benefits of breastfeeding
You might be wondering whether taking a breastfeeding class is worth your time. The answer is yes because you’ll be in a professional setting learning first-hand from professionals.
It is important to be well-informed about the benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby. Some health benefits of breastfeeding include:
For babies
Breast milk is the ideal nutrition for newborns and infants.
- Breast milk contains all the nutrients for your baby’s growth and development, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect your baby from illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of ear infections, respiratory infections, and diarrhea.
- Lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life can reduce the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%.
- Breast milk promotes healthy brain development in babies as it contains high levels of DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is important for brain development.
For mothers
Breastfeeding has several benefits for mothers as well.
- It helps you lose weight after pregnancy and reduce your risk of ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Breastfeeding also releases oxytocin which helps your uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size.
- Breastfeeding helps to lower the risk of breast cancer.
- Provides emotional benefits for both you and your baby.
- Creates a unique bond between you and your little one and provides your baby with a sense of comfort and security.
Taking a breastfeeding class can help you learn how to breastfeed successfully, and, in the process, you and your baby will both benefit from this special time together.
The role of breastfeeding classes in successful breastfeeding
Preparing ahead of time and learning about the benefits of breastfeeding will put you in a position of strength through knowledge.
Knowing the facts will inspire and encourage you to breastfeed for longer.
The inconvenience or pressure in the workplace to stop expressing at work will seem trivial and ignorant compared to what you are doing for your little one.
What to expect in a breastfeeding class
Breastfeeding classes should be conducted by a qualified, experienced teacher.
Classes may have different topics that are covered in prenatal and Intrapartum breastfeeding classes, which should ideally cover these important topics:
Prenatal breastfeeding education
- Guidance for mothers about potential breastfeeding situations and signs of effective breastfeeding or breastfeeding problems.
- The benefits of breastfeeding to mother, baby, and society.
- Correct breastfeeding positioning to help your baby latch onto your breast properly.
- Specific needs in the early days of breastfeeding.
- Resources for help with problems.
- Common fears, concerns, problems, and myths.
Intrapartum breastfeeding education
- Immediate issues such as correct latch and positioning.
- Adequate milk removal.
- Stability of your baby.
- Comfort of the mother.
- Concerns of mothers and family members.
- Referrals for postpartum support.
- Signs of success or potential problems in the first few days after hospital discharge.
Other topics are nice to include as well, like expressing and how to choose a breast pump, returning to work and maintaining your milk supply, weaning, and so on.
A student from a previous class may volunteer to talk about her breastfeeding experience and even provide a practical demonstration of nursing in class. Good reputable videos might be used if a practical demonstration is not possible.
You’ll know where to go or to get help if ever you need it.
You may need to do a little research to find the best breastfeeding classes, but it’s well worth the effort.
FAQs
Are there any online breastfeeding classes for new moms?
Yes, there are many online breastfeeding classes available for new moms. Reputable online classes offer access to expert lactation specialists and support networks.
Are breastfeeding classes worth the time and money?
Most definitely.
Breastfeeding classes provide an opportunity to learn first-hand from experienced lactation consultants, where you can ask questions and connect with other new moms who are going through similar experiences.
Can breastfeeding classes really improve a mother’s confidence in breastfeeding?
Yes, breastfeeding classes empower moms with valuable knowledge and skills, which helps improve a mother’s confidence in breastfeeding.
Additionally, classes provide an opportunity to build a support network with other new moms, which can boost confidence and provide inspiration and encouragement.
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/pdf/strategy7-access-breastfeeding-education.pdf
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breastfeeding-your-baby/breast-milk-is-the-best-milk
- https://www.verywellfamily.com/signs-you-have-good-breastfeeding-class-2758701#:~:text=Your%20breastfeeding%20class%20should%20cover%2C%20at%20a%20minimum%3A,where%20to%20get%20help%20should%20you%20need%20it
- https://milkology.org/content/are-breastfeeding-classes-helpful
