IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

I have been on the fence about BF the whole time time this pregnancy. I figured I am gonna at least try though i know im not comfortable with my body for several reasons but i feel like i should at least try. Will they help me in hosp? I feel like I should have at least tried to take a class. Im gonna see if i can get to a library this weekend and get a library card and check out if they have any videos. Thanks again

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

While I did learn things from the class, I don't think it's completely necessary. They should have LCs in the hospital to help you out & you can contact an LC after you leave the hospital if you feel like you need more help.

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

Yes 100%. I only watched the Laugh and Learn video. In the hospital b.c I delivered at night (LC was only in during the day). They brought me the baby and said here you go feed her. When I asked for help they said LC will here sometime after 10 and will do rounds and she will see you when she gets here - so either figure it out or we can give her a bottle. She helped me with the first latch and that was it.

Honestly all you really need is someone to show you how to hold. When you really need help is when the baby is having issues and is not latching properly. If you are at the hospital it shouldn't be hard to get some help. My story took place at 1am so I have a feeling they were tired and cranky.

Don't get me wrong the classes ARE helpful but you don't HAVE to take one if you don't want to.

I BF DD for 13 months btw.

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

The class taught me next to nothing but I did get a valuable book out of it. I really think you can't "learn" this without your baby since there are so many different variables that occur.
I would try to get a LC in the hospital or right after you get home to support you but that is all you need.

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

I watched the Laugh and Learn DVD and learned a lot.

I am having a doula as well and most have experience with breastfeeding so I am hoping she can help me with that as well.

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

I watched the laugh and learn BF video. It is very helpful!!

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

I thought the BF class I took was a waste and when it came time to actually BF I was lost. The BEST resource was the lactation consultants in the hospital. They were great and Emerson was latching on like a pro!! Read up on BF to gain some knowledge but really your best bet is to take advantage of the lactation consultants while in the hospital.

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

I never took any classes and we are doing great

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

I did not take any BFing classes and I BFed DD. I did try to read up on it beforehand though.

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

It's good to at least read up on BFing before you deliver. The resources at the hospital, especially the LCs, will be more helpful than a class.

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

I took a class and I did learn a lot, I think it made me a little more prepared and knowledgeable about BFing, you can do without it, I would highly reccomend it though...
XOXOXO
BOTB

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

I never took a class either. I didn't even read up on it and things went pretty smoothly. I did get a lot of tips from moms on here though.

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

The amount of help you will get at the hospital depends on which hospital you deliver at and who happens to be on staff while you are there. I got some help, but I found the free breastfeeding class offered by Stony Brook was wonderful and really helpful.

If you already think you might have problems, I would try to attend a class. Some are more helpful than others -- the Stony Brook one was great.

Re: IS it possible to BF without taking the class?

I don't remember learning much from the class. The basics were also discussed in my childbirth class and a team of LCs were at my bedside at the hospital. Plus, you got us !