Breastfeeding

Note: this class is part of the Great Starts series! If you're taking the full series, you do not need to register separately for this class.

This class is designed for expectant mothers, and their support partners. If you are planning to breastfeed, or if you are just willing to consider the option of breastfeeding, this class will give you the tools you need to get your baby off to a healthy start. Partners are strongly encouraged to attend with the expectant mom: studies have consistently shown that the partner's support and informed assistance with breastfeeding helps to ensure success.

Breastfeeding is a natural process, but it is helpful to learn about breastfeeding before baby is born, and to know where to turn for help if you still have questions in the first days, weeks, or months of feeding your child. If you are taking a Great Starts childbirth preparation series, this class will be included. If you are not taking a full series, and just want a breastfeeding class, call us to register, at (206)789-0883.

If you are interested in finding out more about breastfeeding an adopted child, see information in the class description for our adoptive family classes.

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Class Topics:

This class it covers all the basics of breastfeeding:

• Why breastfeed: The benefits for baby, mom, and more
• Preparing to breastfeed: Breast changes in pregnancy.
• How breastfeeding works: Anatomy and Physiology
• How to breastfeed: Positioning and Latch
• How much to breastfeed: how often to feed, how to know baby is getting enough
• How to continue to breastfeed: Predicting, preventing, and coping with common challenges
• How to take care of yourself while breastfeeding: Maternal nutrition
• How to add in other feeding methods: Pumping, storing, and bottle-feeding
• How partners can support breastfeeding moms, and be involved parents

Logistics:

Place / Time: This class is offered at several locations, including our classroom in Rainier neighborhood of Seattle, on Bainbridge Island, at Stevens Hospital in Edmonds, Northwest Hospital in North Seattle, and Group Health facilities in Northgate, Burien, and Bellevue. All classes are open to anyone, regardless of where they are giving birth.

Our Instructors

This class is taught by one of our five lactation educators. Our lactation educators have hundreds or thousands of hours of experience with working with moms and babies with breastfeeding challenges. Most are IBCLC certified - the gold standard in the field.