As a Childbirth Educator of over 32 years experience it is essential to  
include breastfeeding in your classes.
On my class cards that participants complete on the first night of class  you 
can inquire "are you planning to breast feed?"  
A long time ago and it might have been at one of the first Lamaze  
Breastfeeding Specialist classes with Jeanette Crenshaw it was highly suggested  to 
include something about breastfeeding in each class.
I try to do this and on several nights we get more in depth.  When I  ran a 
program for another hospital I actually included a "FREE" breastfeeding  class 
as part of the series cost. One of the interesting things was since it was  
"free" and the hospital felt it should be also opened to the community, it  
brought many other interested parties to the table.
When polling class clients you will always hear " I'm going to  try."  So the 
first thing I clarify is not trying but doing!  " I will  breast feed my 
baby!"
Other observations are that I sometimes question bringing the dolly or  teddy 
bear for positioning techniques.
Real babies are a lot different.  I like to stress rest, naps,  expectations 
and how spouses and family members can help to make a difference  those first 
few weeks and most of all networking in the hospital and after going  home.  I 
try to remind them that all our staff has really good skills in  helping and 
"I need the LC" is not to uttered at time of admission.  I also  stress skin 
to skin and keeping the baby with them and watching the baby and not  the 
clock.  Giving them resources for follow up and a regular breastfeeding  class is 
also helpful. Encourage attending a LLL meeting ahead of time and  talking with 
women who have successfully breast fed their children.  They  need to get a 
mind set and proceed from there.
 We all have wonderful ideas how to enhance this particular period and  would 
love to hear to some more suggestions on how others get this also  important 
information out in this setting.  Especially those who might  teach in a 
Hispanic environment where formula is not perceived as evil but just  as good a 
breast milk.
Reflecting in Miami,
Leanne Jewell RNC, IBCLC, LCCE, FACCE
 

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