Jan writes:
>
> Why on earth are we spending time at prenatal breastfeeding classes
teaching
> about pumping? ?  This is not to bash pump rental stations, but IM(not so
> humble)O, prenatal breastfeeding classes are to teach moms about
> breastfeeding, and how to survive the first few days after birth.

Jan,

I agree that a prenatal class is not the best place to teach pumping,
however it is one place to address concerns mothers have which include the
ever-present worry about going back to work.  My moms come to class hoping
breastfeeding will work for them..but still are unsure because of the
return to work issue.  I find it helpful to discuss briefly about pumps,
approaching your employer (while still pregnant) to discuss return to
work-and maintaining lactation, and any immediate questions about pumping
they might have.  The bulk of my class does have to do with the first few
days of initiating breastfeeding, and I do encourage them to concentrate on
that skill first.  However, many moms want to know what pump to buy now!
Discussing some of their concerns at prenatal class and giving them some
basics on why to wait, what to look for, etc-IMHO-works well for my
prenatal population.

During informal polling at the beginning of class my moms usually say 'I
want to know what pump to buy' as one of their objectives to coming to
class.  So, I try to give them what they are looking for too.

I do plan to offer a 'return to work' type class for 1998.  Do you already
have one in place?  How is the attendance? and subject matter?



Lucy, WI