Hi everybody
I attended the breastfeeding class y'day. I would really request everyone if they do offer breastfeeding class which is generally free and for about 2-3 hours to please attend. I am sure moms who have already attended would say the same.

It was very helpful and it helps u to give tips on how to check if u will have problems later like checking if u have inverted, flat nipples, cracked or dry, how to take care of them now in the last trimester.
Things i learnt
1) advantages - we all mostly know about
2) Handling the baby, first feeding and getting used to it
3) Stimulating the baby to feed,
4) cues on knowing when the baby is ready to feed before its starts crying
5) How painful feeding indicates ur baby is not latched on right, process of latching on. We had cute flexible baby dolls and had to learn how to hold in different positions , how to hold if u have a c-section, how to tickle and open mouth, how much to area to cover,etc.
6) How to recognize baby is full, is sucking right, getting enough
7)Diet, calcium intake, fluid intake.
8)Use of breast pumps, which one to buy , tips on buying, if u going back to work when and how to do the transition to pumped feed in bottle. (They have a seperate class to allow working moms to deal with breast pumps and adjusting baby to it.)
9)Nipple care
10) Problems - engorgement -different types,treating them when to use warm compresses and when cold, infections.
11) books to read/the hospital nurse phone help avl., best is u get to know the hospital lactation consultant personally after the 2-3 hours and she already now knows the background which will help when u have to feed the baby after delivery.

It was very informal, husbands can attend too. husbands can help and see if u have held baby right the first few times. They show a video of newborns and problems with first feed.
Small imp. tips i learnt about
1) Try to feed baby (if u can) in the first 30-60 mins after delivery, helps baby from first few infections like jaundice, etc.
2) Type and size of brassieres needed.
3) Why moms need rest the first month to adjust the body in the production of milk and getting used to it along with the healing after delivery.
4) Misconceptions of food intake during breastfeeding.
5) Position of baby is so important, she asked us to drink water in awkward positions we may hold the baby to feel how the baby would feel if not in correct position.
6) Practical session of holding and scooping baby when mouth is wide enof..is very helpful.
7) Why the baby should be wide awake during feeding and how to stimulate them to be awake.

I do know moms will help a lot when they are there around...and u may not worry, but getting to know how ur nipples are now,how to deal with problems, when and how to use lanisoh, not clocking the time of feed, care of nipples is something which will help all..esp knowing products avl. here from warmers, bras, pumps, cost involved, where to save, etc. I am sure it will make ur first feeding easier when u know the problems u may have.

If u cannot attend now, do read the books given by the doctor..which is also very descriptive.
Get all the information u can now so u are prepared later,may not be easy but atleast u won't freak out /worry when u have problems. I hope everyone has already attended or due to attend. I don't think even if my motehr inlaw were here i would be comfortable talking to her than how i was with the consultant.
Have dry skin and even got a free checkup privately later..so she could suggest if i can do something now. Already had lanisoh with me, but even any lotion now would help..later we cannot use lotions, deodarants, perfumes which repels the baby away.She even said with our complexion and nipples going darker , baby's mouth may get black but not to worry.
I could go on and on with small little details ..I had read entire breastfeeding book so thot i would know most of what the class was talking about , but defintely helped me with small titbits of info. and relaxed knowing she will be there for me after delivery.
I hope it helps everyone too..this is a long message..so stopping now. Hope everyone gets time and appointment to attend the class. I wish all the moms smooth,painfree breastfeeding days ahead.
Radhika Manvi replied. Wow that was informative thanks for taking the time Radhika.
Was this your hospital BF class?I heard babies r us was conducting classes too ,anyone attended those?How was the experience.If it is good i plan to go too? Anu replied. Thank you so much Radhika. It is so nice of you to take time and share all this information with us. Probably I wil not be able to attend the class, but as you said I will read the books that were given by hospital. Uma replied. Hi Radhika,
It was gr8 reading the whole info,thanks for sharing with all of us.

Take care,
Uma Ritu replied. Thanks so much for sharing this information .what is lanisoh ???
Best wishes,
Ritu
Ritu replied. Thanks so much for sharing this information .what is lanisoh ???
Best wishes,
Ritu