Tonya, Welcome to Lactnet.  I always enjoy the posts from students at the
University of North Dakota.  IMHO your theory about the benefits of
providing education on breastfeeding before it appears to be relevant is
absolutely correct.  For several years I have offered a one-hour session on
breastfeeding at high schools.  I start talking about how breastfeeding
works, bring in some anatomy and physiology, invite questions and then use
the questions to provide more information.  I find that the students don't
say much for the first 10 - 15 minutes, but then there is so much interest
and participation we run out of time!  One private school has asked me back
several times to speak to their Sixth Form students (about 70 girls each
time), my largest audience was 200 boys and girls (age 17 - 20) at a
government school.

These have been my most challenging audiences!  The questions they ask are
amazing, their interest seems to be genuine, and they are always ready to
discuss the controversial topics like public breastfeeding, breastfeeding an
older child, or breastfeeding during a superimposed pregnancy, in a very
open way so that we can get down to the nitty-gritty of what society thinks
vs what is best for the mother and baby.  The question of HIV always comes
up, and things like breast implants, protection from infections, and "not
enough milk". My impression is that high school students are much more open
to new ideas than, say, parents in a pre-natal class - probably because the
issues are not so pressing and personal.

I seem to recall that I have posted about this on Lactnet before (a couple
of years ago) so perhaps a search in the Archives under High School
students, or Talks to High Schools might dredge up more detail. If not,
please email me privately.  Best wishes with your studies.

Pamela Morrison IBCLC, Zimbabwe
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