Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

CathyB Posted: Nov 23, 2004 08:25 PM

Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

At my appointment last night, my doctor told me that it's time to start looking into a childbirth class. He gave me the number of a nurse who offers classes, but I wanted to see if anyone had attended a class that they really loved.

Also, I read an article recently that suggested taking a breastfeeding class prior to birth so that I can have a better idea of ways to hold the baby, what a good latch looks like, etc. Any suggestions there?

TIA!
Cathy

chmlengr Posted: Nov 23, 2004 11:41 PM

Re: Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

What hospital are you delivering at? They may have them. I delivered at Winthrop and took their classes: Lamaze, Breastfeeding, child care, etc. While I thought they were just o.k., I enjoyed the experience and got to know the hospital (tour at the end of Lamaze). The Lamaze is more than learning to breathe - it tells you about stages of labor, medications, possible c-sections, etc. The breastfeeding class was large and was not good for individualized attention, but I got a good contact for a lactation consultant (thankfully I didn't need it) and learned a few things that helped out. Child care I thought was very basic, and probably more so help out DH. They went over sponge baths, baths, diaper chages, sleeping, eating, etc. Lamaze was $150 per couple and the other 2 classes were a nomial cost ($15-$20).

dawnie Posted: Nov 24, 2004 06:38 AM

Re: Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

I am taking the orientation to the hospital, breastfeeding and a babycare class at Winthrop. I also am taking a private hypnobirthing class which is a 2 hour session for 5 weeks. I start all these classes in January.

mrskb Posted: Nov 24, 2004 10:18 AM

Re: Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

I start my birth classes at Winthrop on Jan. 4th? What day are you going?

mrskb Posted: Nov 24, 2004 10:18 AM

Re: Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

Sorry, I have preggo brain. My classes end Jan. 4th. I start Dec. 14th.

michele31 Posted: Nov 24, 2004 10:42 AM

Re: Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

I HIGHLY rec'd Hypnobirth or Bradley classes over Lamaze.
Stonybrook had a very good, free breastfeeding class. Anyone can sign up. I rec'd taking the class with your husband and reading A Nursing Mother's Companion Guide.

M&M2004 Posted: Nov 24, 2004 01:55 PM

Re: Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

Huntington Hospital has classes if you are delivering there.

The Childbearing Family Alliance, Inc. in Smithtown 631-360-2880 has classes for parents-to-be including:
Lamaze Pregnancy Basics
Breastfeeding a to z
Newborn Care Basics
Infant and Child CPR & Safety
Cesarean Preparation Classes

Call them and they will send you a schedule and class price list.

DeniseMang Posted: Nov 24, 2004 02:12 PM

Re: Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

Can anyone tell me when you should take these classes, in other words, at what point in the pregnancy.

dawnie Posted: Nov 24, 2004 02:53 PM

Re: Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

They recommend your 3rd trimester that way it is fresh in your mind. I would like to be done a month before I am due in case the baby decides to come early!

DeniseMang Posted: Nov 24, 2004 02:57 PM

Re: Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

Thanks!

CathyB Posted: Nov 24, 2004 06:48 PM

Re: Child Birth & Breastfeeding Class Recos

Thanks all. I saw that North Shore Manhasset has these classes, but I wasn't sure if they were ok, or if I should investigate private classes. Thanks for all your advice!