Breastfeeding education is one topic I will never, never, EVER be tired of talking about. Every time I comment, speak or have a conversation with one mom about breastfeeding and feel like I’ve somehow made a difference, I meet 20 other women who have no clue about the basics of breastfeeding, believe in utter lactation myths and half-truths, or being fed absolutely wrong information by friends, family and worst, medical professionals.
I’ve heard this too many times when I tell people that I am a part of an organization that speaks about breastfeeding and conducts breastfeeding classes: “What? There are breastfeeding classes for mothers? You can’t be serious.” And therein lies the problem. More often than not, the breastfeeding problems that I hear of are brought about by the lack of knowledge and information on the basics of nursing. Coupled with lack of support from their family and doctors, this leads to unsuccessful breastfeeding. Most mothers who were not able to breastfeed from lack of information say this: “If only I had known”, or “I didn’t know breastfeeding was going to be like this.”
The statement that saddens me most is this: “I had no milk when I gave birth so I fed my baby formula first while I waited for milk to come.” Worse, some women don’t wait at all, and assume they don’t have milk and will never have milk. The different stages of breastmilk is a basic breastfeeding principle that can and should be explained by a nurse or a doctor at the hospital. Instead, some encourage the mother to buy formula without medical reason and even add a bit of fear by saying the baby is starving because the mother has no milk. While there are many hospitals and doctors already making an effort to be updated on the latest information and protocol regarding breastfeeding, this is still happening everyday.
Every couple of months, LATCH holds FREE breastfeeding classes at The Medical City called “Best Beginnings in Breastfeeding”. It is held on a Saturday morning at TMC’s Center for Patient Partnership conference rooms. The next one is this Saturday, March 9. Check out the Facebook event HERE.
We talk about the Benefits of Breastfeeding, What to Expect in the First Week, Myths of Breastfeeding, Going Back To Work, and break out in smaller groups so we can discuss proper positioning and latching.
The class is run by trained LATCH breastfeeding counselors. We are all mothers who have exclusively breastfed or are still exclusively breastfeeding. Collectively, our experiences range from the most basic and common concerns, to issues such as pre-term breastfeeding and relactation.
Em talks about the Benefits of Breastfeeding. Photo courtesy of Claire Mogol.
Claire talks about the basics of latching and positioning. Photo by Bryan Sales.
No I am not sleeping on the job. Sometimes you have to get down and dirty for breastfeeding! Hehe. Demonstrating side-lying. Photo by Bryan Sales.
Working, pumping moms need all the support they can get! Lawyer Fritzi talks about going back to work and sustaining breastfeeding. Photo by Claire Mogol.
Most of the attendees are mothers-to-be, but we do get the occasional breastfeeding mother who wants to brush up on her knowledge for affirmation and confidence. The breastfeeding mindset, after all, is half the battle won!
We love seeing the support system come in with the moms. The support of husbands, partners, lolas and yayas are so crucial to breastfeeding success.
One of the dads takes a guess on a breastfeeding question and gets a gift! Photo by Claire Mogol.
A father assists his wife in learning the proper position for the cradle hold. Great practice for the real thing! Photo by Bryan Sales.
Breastfeeding success lies largely on having the right knowledge and support. Even with the amount of information available online about breastfeeding, nothing compares to hearing it straight from mothers who’ve gone through it and will cheer you all the way. It worked for me!
I hope to see you at this weekend’s breastfeeding class or the classes to come in the future!
Hi!
I was able to attend your Breastfeeding Seminar at TMC last saturday.
I was so thanful thas I was able to attend with my husband. Thank you so much for all the information! It was really a great eye opner and a very big help for expectant first time moms like me!
Happy you made it Jovelle!
I wish we had time to talk! Hope to see you at another event. Babywearing maybe? Happy breastfeeding! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the LATCHers if you have any other questions.
Hi! I was planning to attend your Breastfeeding seminar at TMC this coming Saturday. Unfortunately, I was told that the session is fully booked and they are no longer accepting new registrants. The next seminar would already be after I give birth. By any chance, would you have any other seminars for the month of May? Does LATCH offer 1 on 1 sessions as well?
Thanks!
Hi! I saw your message on FB. I believe my co-counselor replied to you already, but I’ll also ask on your behalf.
Congratulations on making the decision to breastfeed!