Taking a breastfeeding class is a
fairly common occurrence these days. Mothers
and fathers know that they need help with breastfeeding basics and take a
class to prepare themselves for breastfeeding the new baby. Here is a look at
some of the major categories of knowing if your class will meet your
breastfeeding needs.
1. Your instructor has the right
qualifications:
- A breastfeeding background. Is your teacher an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)? These ensure that she has a minimum amount of knowledge and hands-on support of breastfeeding women.
- Has she ever breast fed a baby? While not always a must, it is very helpful.
2.
The focus
of the class is breastfeeding. Sometimes
you'll find that hospitals offer
classes that are mixed in with other classes.
3.
You cover
the basics of breastfeeding. Classes
can have different topics that they cover and different ways that they cover
the topics that they do teach. Your breastfeeding class should cover, at a
minimum:
- How breastfeeding works.
- How to know if your baby is getting enough milk.
- Positions for breastfeeding.
4. You see breastfeeding in action,
can be having a student from a previous class come back to talk about her
breastfeeding experience and nursing in class.
5. You leave knowing where to get
help if you need it.
What
To Expect From A Lactation Consultant
There are so many situations in which a breastfeeding
mother will need a lactation consultant. You may see a lactation consultant in various
venues. While you're pregnant, you might take a prenatal breastfeeding
class with a lactation consultant. You may be seen by a lactation consultant in
the hospital after your baby is born. There may be a lactation consultant
on staff at your clinic.
Some hospitals have large lactation staffs, and
others have none. If lactation visits are not part of the daily routine of your
hospital, your nurse can request one. A lactation consultant can help you with
a feeding, give a breastfeeding "checkup", and answer your questions.
The lactation consultant will also ask for information about you and your
baby's health.
Clinically, the lactation consultant will:
1. Watch your baby as she's
breastfeeding and adjust your breastfeeding position if need be.
2. Correct any breastfeeding problems
that she finds.
3. Give you information about local
breastfeeding support groups.
You should not hesitate to contact your lactation
consultant for any reason. It's important to address any breastfeeding
problems early on.
0 comments:
Posting Komentar