Hi Julie. Good luck in your class! I find props and visuals to be helpful.
When talking about the benefits, I bring a symbol from the bag and have them
guess (ex. tylenol stands for less illness; a quarter stands for the $
saved, a breast cancer shower card illustrates the protection that
breastfeeding gives, etc. I also give all moms a doll for positionings;
they then hand to dad for burping. A sense of humor goes a long way as
well. Encourage questions so they make the class their own. Carolyn
Schindewolf
----- Original Message -----
From: "Julie Conaway" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 10:23 AM
Subject: prenatal breastfeeding class content
>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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