Julie,
Having just completed the curriculum for our local pre-natal bf classes, I believe explaining the WHY before the HOW makes a greater impact on parents. You can sit there all day & tell them HOW to do anything....but also knowing WHY you are doing seems to make more sense! How many times (in school) did you look @ your work and go "ok WHY am I doing this again?" Prime example, the "early & often" statement... well, WE know WHY to nurse early and often, but most parents DON'T know that current studies show that mothers who truly practiced EARLY & OFTEN had MORE milk @ 4 months than mothers that did not or "couldn't" or weren't allowed (good grief don't get me started on that!)...Just my thoughts...oh, and yes "inadequate milk supply" is the #1 reason for bf cessation (or #2...I can't remember) but early & often ENSURES that this WON'T happen...
Joy Kahler
LLL of Wyoming, USA
Julie Conaway <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I need some council from some experienced prenatal educators!
I'm starting the process of planning breastfeeding classes, and, as is always
the case in starting a new endeavor, I'm not sure where to begin! I found
Linda Smith's suggestions on "How to teach a great breastfeeding class" and I
know they will be helpful. I will especially remember the 'less is more' tip;
since I find the subject of breastfeeding so fascinating, I tend to be rather
long-winded and technical and sometimes 'lose' my clients!
In Linda's list, she suggests starting with the most important information and
ending with the 2nd most important; put the least important in the middle.
This will be a 2 1/2 hour, general prenatal breastfeeding class. I would like to
hear opinions on what are the 1st and 2nd most important topics for
expectant moms. My thoughts are as follows:
#1 Why breastfeeding is important: Sure, these moms have already decided
to breastfeed or else they wouldn't be taking the class. But, drawing from my
own mindset when I was at their point in life, I'm not sure they understand
HOW important it is to breastfeed and continue to breastfeed for at least 1
year. Right now they know that "breast is best" (but formula is normal, and
therefore, perfectly fine!). I want them to be awed and amazed by HOW
important this feeding/nurturing choice is, and have the conviction to stick
through the first few weeks and continue after returning to work.
Middle content: the "hows". Of course this is very important, but they'll never
really understand 'how' until the baby is in their arms and they have to juggle
little wandering hands and a bobbling head! I think this is the stuff they can
read about in books and will hear over and over again in the hospital.
Last (2nd most important): Maintaining a milk supply. Isn't this the biggest
reason that moms quit breastfeeding...the 'lose' their supply?
I appreciate all of you so much, what a wonderful group!
Julie Conaway, RN, IBCLC
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