Hi, Julia:  I have taught prenatal BF classes for 22+ years in the hospital I 
used to be at full-time.  I currently teach a 6 hour class (3 2 hour sessions a 
week apart).  As the couples are arriving for the 1st class, the first question 
they all have is:  "What kind of pump should I buy and how soon can I start 
pumping?"  The 1st 2 hour class I update the couples on what's new in 
breastfeeding or why breastfeeding is important.  I also ask them questions 
like:  "who has heard that breastfeeding hurts?  When do babies wean?  Kinda 
odd talking about weaning right away during a class, but I find it gets them 
thinking about how long they may be planning on nursing, etc.  I also ask them 
to tell me some of the things they have heard about breastfeeding from family, 
girlfriends, etc. and then we discuss.

The 2nd class we go over what I call the "mechanics of breastfeeding" - 
position, latch, skin-to-skin care, and what to expect during the hospital stay 
and how to advocate for themselves and their babies.  We also discuss how to 
prevent/fix common problems like sore nipples, engorgement, etc.

The 3rd class is the "...and you thought breastfeeding was natural" class as I 
gesture to a table full of pumps, bottles, boppy pillows, etc.  I approach this 
class with the thinking that now they have learned how to nurse.  Now it's 
time to fit breastfeeding into their lifestyles.  We discuss return to work, 
introducing bottles, pumping, exclusive nursing as much as possible within her 
lifestyle.  I also discuss birth control and how significantly their lives change 
with a new baby.

My class has always been very interactive.  I let the couples ask questions 
and then we discuss.  I don't even use slides or powerpoint anymore.  The 
chairs are arranged in a circle to facilitate discussion and eye contact.  Most 
dads or other support people accompany mom to class.  I do have a breast 
and "babies" to demo and practice positioning.  I also keep handouts to a 
minimum.  The hospital doesn't have a budget to buy books, so I use a 
handout I developed years ago covering the basics.  My population is very 
Internet-savvy, so actively seek out information on their own.

I honestly don't know how you all manage to fit in the important take-home 
information and discussion in just 2-3 hours.  I guess I'm really fortunate that 
my previous hospital continues to let me do my thing.


Pam Hirsch, BSN,RN,IBCLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Services
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL    USA

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