Laura - thank you for your ability to dialog on this subject!  I appreciate
your hearing where I am coming from.

It seems to me that in your area you really do not see the benefit of group
classes.  So I can really understand why you don't buy that they can work.
That is so sad to me!  In my area I don't recommend that parents take the
hospital classes, I refer them to the private classes where they will feel
safe to ask their questions, get their answers - they will get the good info
and where the classes really do drop the c-sec/epidural rates.  These
classes are small group - 4-5 couples only.  I spoke at one about BF a
couple weeks ago and it was amazing the comfort and ease within the group to
ask all sorts of odd and often embarrassing questions about breastfeeding -
at least ones I'd have thought to be embarrassing. :) They just asked...no
issues.  It was beautiful!

I find it interesting that there can be such differences in different areas
- it really isn't the same all over.  To me that is the beauty (tho
sometimes frustrating) way of our societies...

I also agree that one on one is best - but in practice it isn't always
possible.  And I think we all need to recognize that even if we don't want
to.  I don't want to...but it is what it is.  I think it is possible to
teach a small group the details of bottle feeding and EBM/ABM safe prep and
storage.  But it must be SMALL group.  :)  And it must be tailored in such a
way to promote breastfeeding and EBM with ABM being discussed for those who
will need it because they can't produce enough breastmilk (or get donated
breastmilk) for their babies.  

It is a sad situation to even need to teach parents about these things in my
opinion - whether one on one or in a class.  But I do very much appreciate
the open and respectful dialog - we come from so many different areas and
backgrounds and our communities are so diverse that it is helpful to see
where we each are, what works, what doesn't - and what works for one may not
work for another and that is OK.  We don't need to judge or criticize...we
just need to talk...

Again, thanks for the discussion.  

Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM
Breastfeeding Network
Sacramento, CA
www.breastfeedingnetwork.net

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