When I teach the bf class I bring several books. I talk a little about
the differences of each and the price. The folks can decide what one
they would want to go out and buy (I don't sell them) and they can look
thru them during break and after class. I also tell them that you could
read a book about driving a car, but it would then be pretty hard to
just go out and do it. It is best to watch others and then practice with
a more experienced person. I recommend attending LLL mtg while pregnant.
To lead into the above, I ask "what should you all be doing to prepare
for bf?" Inevitably, someone will say about preparing the nipples with
towels etc (still advice hanging on from the dark ages). I dispel that
myth then I give the things I think they should/could be doing:
1. reading
2. attending LLL or other support mtgs
3. letting the LC know (privately) in advance if they've had breast
surg, biopsy, etc - here you talk about the poss impact on bf but still
encourage to do so
4. seeing the LC (privatley)if they have concerns about poss inverted
nipples or other variations - again reassure most are fine and if not,
there are interventions
5. encourage having an unmedicated birth, if poss, as this is best for
bf
6. finding a supportive pedi
Does that just about cover it?
Laurie

Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Louisiana Breastfeeding MediaWatch Campaign
Violet Louisiana, USA
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