To help draw out the benefits and risks that they are already aware
> of, I make it part of the introductions portion of the class.  I ask
> them to tell me their name, EDB, and a benefit to mom, baby, both,
> family, etc.  Partner's are part of my classes too and I have them
> give benefits too. 


I do something similar only I ask everyone to give something different than
what has already been said. If they can't think of anything different I
have a basket of cards to choose from, so that everyone has a different
advantage to mention and more things get covered.   I find that this does
stimulate some discussion,  but I don't spend too much time on it. All the
research shows that it is not the benefits that convince moms to keep
breastfeeding, they often know the benefits.  I think the idea of
"Wieserisizing" the benefits (per Diane Wiessinger) helps people understand
that perspective makes a difference.  I often take one benefit and turn it
around so that they can understand.  For example:  If someone says
breastfed babies have fewer ear infections you could say "Yes, the research
shows that breastfed babies have 40% fewer ear infections - which really
means that formula fed babies have 60% more ear infections.  You have to
watch how you interpret the research."  This gets the parents thinking
without me implanting guilt.    My focus in classes is on getting baby
positioned and latched properly, and we have recently incorporated Nancy
Mohrbacher's 7 steps from "Breastfeeding Made Simple".  This helps people
understand the imoprtance of getting off to a good start. The nurses on the
floor tell me they can tell who has taken the breastfeeding class, as they
keep their babies at night. 
Peg Merrill, IBCLC

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