When to Take Breastfeeding Class – Here’s Why You Need To Try It

When we think of breastfeeding, we think of it as a natural process. A lot of people, especially non-mothers, think that breastfeeding is something all mothers can easily do. However, it turns out that breastfeeding is a skill that needs working on.

 

Breastfeeding requires knowledge and practice, and mothers can’t do it on their own. That’s why there are classes and support groups that are ready to help mothers-to-be. They help boost a mom’s confidence and capability in breastfeeding their babies.

 

Feeling interested yet? The good news is that there are a lot of breastfeeding classes that can accommodate you. You will learn a lot about yourself, your body, and your baby.

 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through what breastfeeding classes are. We’ll also talk about when you should have one and which service is fit for you.

 

What is Breastfeeding Class?

It’s normal for moms to have a lot of questions about breastfeeding. “Will breastfeeding hurt?” “Will my breasts be deformed?” “And will my baby have enough milk?”

 

Breastfeeding classes offer to answer those burning questions and more. Parents, especially mothers, can benefit from attending these classes. These classes give moms a chance to prepare and ask queries about what breastfeeding will be like.

 

Some places offer breastfeeding classes, including hospitals and support programs. You’ll also find a lot of them online (more on that later.)

 

Prices for these classes vary, some being more expensive than others. Online classes are usually a couple of dollars cheaper than in-person classes. You’ll be looking at prices between $10 to $200.

 

Why You Should Attend a Breastfeeding Class

New mothers will benefit greatly when they attend a breastfeeding class. For a lot of moms, it’s more than just learning how to lactate and pump. It’s also building trust in one’s self.

 

Parents should know that breastfeeding is a learnable behavior. Since we rarely get to see nursing mothers these days, moms don’t get to easily learn how to breastfeed. Not to mention that there are loads of misinformation about breastfeeding that can’t seem to die.

 

A breastfeeding class can also double as a support group. While they are two separate activities, they both can go hand in hand.

 

Pregnancy is a time of vulnerability. So any form of support, be it from professional or other parents, is crucial. Parents-to-be can learn plenty of things from other people about how to care for their new baby. This includes how to breastfeed.

 

When to Take Breastfeeding Class

You got a lot to think about during your pregnancy. If this is your first time having a kid, then you’ll definitely need some parenting training. Asides from breastfeeding class, you might also want a class in baby care and childbirth.

 

There’s no need to rush when it comes to learning about these things. Usually, learning can start around your second trimester. At this point, you’re sure enough that your baby will survive and will be born.

 

Still, with all those classes to consider, you might be wondering when it is the right time to take breastfeeding classes. The best time is usually around 32 weeks or later into your pregnancy. But then again, it is the mother’s choice of when she thinks she is available to attend.

 

Where Can I Have Breastfeeding Classes

As mentioned above, you can have in-person classes. Asides from hospitals, you can also receive education from support groups, like La Leche League or Breastfeeding USA. You get the chance of having face-to-face interaction and in-person demonstrations.

 

Another option is to join online seminaries, such as Milkology or Milky Mama. These online courses are cheaper when compared to real-life meetings. You can also attend them from the comfort of your own home.

 

Of course, not every mom has the budget or time for breastfeeding class. If you can’t attend classes, you can find alternatives to learn more about breastfeeding.

 

YouTube is a great resource that you can use to learn how to breastfeed. Plenty of online videos about breastfeeding are free to watch, and you can view them at your own pace.

 

Reading is also a classic way to learn more about parenting and breastfeeding. Reading books, articles, and magazines about breastfeeding can boost your knowledge.

 

Best Online Breastfeeding Class

As of writing this article, a lot of mothers are struggling to go out and meet face-to-face. That’s why online classes are gaining a lot of popularity. If you’re a stuck-at-home mom, then there are a lot of options for you on the web.

 

Verywell Family has compiled the best breastfeeding classes and websites that you can check out right now. They all range in categories, such as best basic, best budget, and best overall. As of right now, Milkology’s Ultimate Breastfeeding Class ranks the best out of them all.

 

Of course, these aren’t the only classes available online. A quick Google search will give you hundreds of different options. Some of them might even be catered to in your local area.

 

You can also find breastfeeding classes on social media. There are plenty of groups on sites like Facebook that can help moms reach out and connect.

 

Thanks to modern technology, parents can connect with professionals and other parents in a snap. It’s also easier to dispel myths and learn new information about breastfeeding online.

 

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a tough task that parents, especially mothers, must learn. Fortunately, breastfeeding classes are easier to find and access.

 

Breastfeeding classes can guide new mothers on properly breastfeed their children. Classes can also teach moms about building confidence during a vulnerable time of life.

 

Experts recommend mothers attend classes around their second trimester. Mothers have the choice of either doing it in person or online. Both options have their pros and cons.

 

Along with classes, mothers can also attend breastfeeding support groups to feel closer with other soon-to-be moms. You’ll learn a lot when you interact with others during the journey.

 

Breastfeeding classes are something that can aid new moms in their journey of raising a child. It may not be mandatory, but it can immensely help new mothers. It’s a short-term investment that can guide you in the long term.