Hellobee Boards Topic: How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?

Hellobee Boards Topic: How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc? https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:03:52 +0000 HLK208 on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-507078 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 01:35:44 +0000 HLK208 507078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I winged it too. I was so naive about breastfeeding and thought because it was natural, I wouldn't have that many problems. I didn't realize it would be so painful for me, both times! skibobrown on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-507074 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 01:32:07 +0000 skibobrown 507074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I took a class and read a ton online before the baby came. Then after she was born I took a class in the hospital, saw lactation consultants, went to nursing groups, read books etc. Nothing worked, and I was unable to breastfeed b/c my supply was almost zero. It was quite a bummer to say the least! sera_87 on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-507040 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:10:29 +0000 sera_87 507040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ nurses showed me what a proper latch was once he was born, i did a bit of reading online, my baby was a champion nurser and made it easy. MusicaV on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-507033 Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:03:19 +0000 MusicaV 507033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ We took a class and I did a little reading - I don't remember which book. The class we took met three times. I think the instructor and material she covered was great. She had a lot of "props" and baby dolls so we could practice. We had the LCs come visit us in the hospital. I also go to BFing support groups led by the hospital LCs. cyndistar3 on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-506326 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:07:24 +0000 cyndistar3 506326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I completely winged it and had no issues. At the hospital after number 2 one of the lc ladies would come in every little while to make sure I was doing it right and it kind of pissed me off because they acted like I had no idea what I was doing trying to explain how to do it even though we were doing just fine! Tidybee on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-506092 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:11:52 +0000 Tidybee 506092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I took a class, but we had so many issues once she was born. I guess it helped to know that the issues we were having were not normal. Other than that, I thought the class was a waste and much better taught after the baby is born. LaineysMom on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-506065 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:07:00 +0000 LaineysMom 506065@https://boards.hellobee.com/ We went to a class and found it really helpful. My nips were never sore and we got a lot of great product recommendations. LO always had a good latch and I thank the class for that. LC also helped while I was in the hospital. I think the most helpful thing I learned in the class was how to hand express.. when you're engorged and don't have a baby or a pump, it's a must! Bluebonnet on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-506051 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:04:28 +0000 Bluebonnet 506051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Being able to BF LO was very important to me, so I took a class, read a book, utilized the LC at the hospital, and read a lot online. I really think this set me up for success. sarac on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-506033 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:00:18 +0000 sarac 506033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I also think that going into it with confidence and excitement really help. I just knew I'd be able to do it, and I couldn't wait. We had a lot of trouble when she was on the nicu - she just wouldn't do it. So I figured I'd keep pumping and she'd figure it out, no rush. And she did, and it was awesome. Just have faith, and expect the best. BabyBoecksMom on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505974 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:48:56 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 505974@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I took a breastfeeding class at the hospital that was taught by a LC and I'm SO glad I did. That really prepared me for what to expect, more so than any book did. This site also helped fill in the blanks, too ;-) hilsy85 on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505946 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:42:27 +0000 hilsy85 505946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I didn't do anything pre baby. I don't really think it's necessary, but I DO think that you should have the number of a good LC that you can call right after delivery if necessary. I wish I had done that (called an LC sooner) and for baby #2, I'll make an appointment for a few days after we get home from the hospital. Springtime on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505628 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:18:52 +0000 Springtime 505628@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I really didn't prepare at all. Every time I woud attempt to read about it I would get so overwhelmed with it all. I just winged it, and asked a LC for help when I needed it. Bao on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505624 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:17:35 +0000 Bao 505624@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I read things online and they touched on the subject a little in our birthing class. We skipped the actual breastfeeding class though. mrskc on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505613 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:14:03 +0000 mrskc 505613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I read breastfeeding made simple. I also took a class but I didn't find it helpful. I also got help from the nurses and LC in the hospital which was a huge help for me. Weagle on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505548 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:48:09 +0000 Weagle 505548@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I winged it and planned to see an LC had there been any problems. Luckily, we didn't have any that a little reading on KellyMom couldn't fix. Running Elley on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505466 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:11:47 +0000 Running Elley 505466@https://boards.hellobee.com/ We took a BF class and LCs helped us in the hospital. I also worked with multiple LCs after Elliot was born. Even though breastfeeding didn't end up going very well for us I learned SO much! prettylizy on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505455 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:08:23 +0000 prettylizy 505455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I read a ton of literature from Dr. Jack Newman and my doula lent me his video. For me, actually SEEING moms feed newborns with the doctor there coaching them and pointing things out was crucial. I highly recommend Dr. Newmans website <a href="http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca" rel="nofollow">http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca</a> SleepyMonkey on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505449 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:05:42 +0000 SleepyMonkey 505449@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I read a book and then went to a class.at the hospital after my lo was born. The most helpful thing was to get the nurses and the PC's in the hospital to help you every time you feed. Call them.in the room every single time. In retrospect, nothing could really prepare me for it, I just had to learn as it happened. T.H.O.U. on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505440 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:59:57 +0000 T.H.O.U. 505440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I started to read a breastfeeding book and it gave me nightmares. So I quit in the second chapter and didn't do anything else to prepare except buying a pump. I don't even think I knew how often/#times per day I needed to BF. However, once she got her I had the amazing support of a LC that I saw twice a week while on maternity leave (12 weeks). It was wonderful! Plus of course great advice from the online community. immabeetoo on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505385 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:35:41 +0000 immabeetoo 505385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I watched YouTube videos read the nursing mothers companion and identified a local lactation consultant with good reviews to have visit us at home. I bought a pump, lanolin, nursing gear, and pads. An LC visited us in the hospital as well. I had my husband there and watching when she helped me practice latching so he could help too - sometimes it's hard to tell when you're sore and their head is so tiny! I also kept baby in the room with us and offered the boob whenever he showed rooting or fussiness signs. He got into the swing of it fast and my milk came in fast without engorgement. Our nurses were supportive and said to try every three hours if not sooner- pediatrician said every two Mac and that's what I did. Most of all I prepared mentally to hate it and stick it out... But we've had great luck and I've loved it since probably 4 days in! Good luck :) duckduckkristen on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505356 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:28:06 +0000 duckduckkristen 505356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I watched videos online of how to bf. When I first BFed LO the nurses all said I was a natural! sorrycharlie on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505309 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:10:14 +0000 sorrycharlie 505309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I think a class might've been cool, but I sought HB and winged it. sarac on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505284 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:02:01 +0000 sarac 505284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I didn't do much, and I was totally clueless when the time came. My baby was in the nicu and couldn't really manage it either. I just had the LC come around and show me, and then they helped me make a plan to encourage my sleepy girl to do it. We didn't have any trouble after that. I'd personally say educate yourself however you prefer, go into it with some help set up (LLL number/LC number/mother/sister/whatever) and then just wing it. And then get a little or a lot of help. blackbird on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505272 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:57:42 +0000 blackbird 505272@https://boards.hellobee.com/ @zippylef, yeah i think if something really unusual comes up, you just have to rely on your healthcare staff. Just like with pregnancy or L&D. Too many things to keep tabs on. OK it seems like the class is a good option. 3 hours. Blah. We're doing an online childbirth class, so that keeps us from getting too classed out. Although I think grad school will burn us out :) lovehoneybee on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505258 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:50:37 +0000 lovehoneybee 505258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I skimmed through the first few chapters of A New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding, met with an LC at the hospital but mostly just winged it. JoJoGirl on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505246 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:48:15 +0000 JoJoGirl 505246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Hmm i was hoping to avoid a class since I feel like I'm all classed out already between cloth diapering, hospital childbirth, potentially natural childbirth/hypnobirthing/bradley method and now BFing. Crapolla. mrsjazz on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505242 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:46:40 +0000 mrsjazz 505242@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I voted, but forgot to add sought assistance after the baby arrived, too. My class was extremely helpful and hysterical--especially when we practiced holds with baby dolls. The LC who taught the class was the one I relied on when I had issues with LO's latch. Mrs. Pen on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505235 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:45:14 +0000 Mrs. Pen 505235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ add another option - like other: I learned when I wsa 14 weeks pregnant by watching my sister go through it firsthand! Seriously I learned more in those two weeks "helping" her than I would have from any book. Once we were in the hospital I had a little help from the nurses, but we picked it up on our own really well. I also kept The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding on hand for reference at home. loveisstrange on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505232 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:44:56 +0000 loveisstrange 505232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I took a class, read online and sought out an LC. I would say that the LC and the advice of other moms that I know was the most helpful. I think that none of that will prepare you if something random and weird is going to happen. I had a rare, unforseen complication that no amount of research would have prepared me for. blackbird on "How did you prepare to breastfeed? Class, book, etc?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prepare-to-breastfeed-class-book-etc#post-505231 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:44:35 +0000 blackbird 505231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Multiple options enabled! So did you all find the class helpful? I looked at classes offered by my hospital, but they're offered once/month on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Right when DH has class. So I'm annoyed. I guess I can look at another hospital