TL/DR: if breastfeeding your baby is a goal of yours, consider taking a breastfeeding class for support, info and encouragement.
Breastfeeding is natural but not easy
For many moms who have their babies, breastfeeding comes really easy. They figure out the latch, great positioning, and figure out their milkflow pretty much right away. But for the rest of the moms who have a goal to breastfeed, it doesn’t always come so easily. Sometimes working with a lactation professional once or twice can be the answer, but many moms need ongoing support of some sort to help them continue on their journey, however it looks for them.
I owe a lot of my breastfeeding journey to a regular breastfeeding class
Like many new parents, I had no idea what I was doing but I knew I wanted to breastfeed. I had a wonderful lactation consultant who showed me the ropes:
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How to get my baby to latch
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How to heal my bleeding nips
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Great positions for nursing
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How to pump if I needed to
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Where I could find donor milk
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And more
But what really saved my breastfeeding journey were the group classes she offered. I got to meet other moms on different parts of their breastfeeding journeys. Some who were exclusively breastfeeding, some who were exclusively pumping, and some who fed with formula mostly and nursed occasionally. It was a space where we could share our wins, talk about our struggles, and get advice from each other and our IBCLC.
It also helped that my lactation consultant fed us at every gathering (you’ve not seen hungry until you see a group of newly postpartum, breastfeeding women).
The community of the breastfeeding class was so important for me as a first time mom
Because hanging out with a baby who doesn’t do much besides sleep and eat and poop can get a little isolating. Having this weekly meeting with my IBCLC and other nursing moms helped me feel a little less alone in my experience. It also gave me a really great reason to get showered and ready and out of the house (although she insisted that this was not a requirement). It took a while for me to get really comfortable nursing my baby, but when I was finally able to, without a nipple shield, and without feeling like my nipples were going to be ripped off– everyone in the group was excited for me. And honestly it was quite the niche group to share this excitement with.
Why a breastfeeding class might be helpful for you
There are a handful of reasons why enrolling in a breastfeeding class or group can be beneficial for your breastfeeding journey.
Access to expert advice
When the class is led by an experienced lactation professional like an IBCLC or a CLC, you’ll be able to get your questions answered by professionals. Being part of an ongoing class means you can stay connected with your professionals and you’ll have a space to ask questions as they come up, whether it be about increasing your supply, how to pump for a work trip, or how to deal with your baby’s gas.
Exposure to different feeding styles
While some classes are strictly for breastfeeding, many classes are open to those who are anywhere on the spectrum of nursing and breastfeeding. This exposure to different feeding types may alleviate some anxiety around feeding, as a new mom will see the different feeding methods working for other families. This might also help new moms give themselves grace when they see that there is no right way to feed their babies.
Practical tips from others who are “in it”
Being with a group of moms who are going through the same stage in life as you are can be really helpful as far as practical tips and hacks. In a breastfeeding class you can talk about your favorite meals to increase breast milk supply, favorite nursing bras, best nursing positions, sleep, baby blow-out stories, and more. Having a lactation professional in the room is amazing, but there is really something special about connecting with other moms with whom you can deeply relate to. These early classes tend to build long-lasting friendships.
Where to find a breastfeeding class
The BeHerVillage registry is a great place to start! You can see if there are any lactation professionals or postpartum doulas who are hosting classes like these or see if there are community support groups who have their services available.
Other support group options include:
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La Leche League (LLL)- find a local group near you and online resources
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Breastfeeding USA- offering peer to peer support with local chapters
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WIC- offering classes and peer to peer support for breastfeeding moms
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Your OB or Midwife group may have breastfeeding classes
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Yoga studios, libraries, churches and other community centers may have classes available
Why put a breastfeeding class onto your BeHerVillage registry?
While some breastfeeding classes are totally free, or come as part of a package from a lactation consultant or postpartum doula, some classes have some sort of fee. From personal experience, I can say that taking an in-person class is worth every penny because of the connection and physical support of the group. When you add a breastfeeding group to your registry, you’re giving your loved ones an opportunity to contribute funds to your breastfeeding journey and your well-being. I promise, the connection and tips you learn in a breastfeeding group will outlast any fancy breastfeeding pillow that folks might have otherwise gifted you.
BeHerVillage is helping parents like you get the funds they need for the support they deserve! Are you having a baby and are looking for support? Create a registry for support today and get gifted funds directly into your bank account to pay for your support team. You deserve this.
Are you a birthworker who supports new moms? Use BeHerVillage to help your clients pay for your support. Create your free profile here and you can be the best baby shower gift a mom will ever get!
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