Breastfeeding Classes: HSA Eligibility

What are breastfeeding classes?

Many first-time parents have never had to care for a newborn, which is why there are so many different educational classes available for prospective parents that can teach them how to respond confidently through the pregnancy, birth and early child-rearing periods. One of the most important choices a new mother can make is whether or not to breastfeed, which is highly recommended by a vast majority of doctors and even the American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding has been proven to give babies the best possible nutritional start in life to aid their future development, as well as providing numerous benefits for mothers as well. As such, many new parents will turn to breastfeeding classes to understand the finer points of providing optimal nutrition for their children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

What do breastfeeding classes cover?

Breastfeeding classes are held everywhere from hospitals to community centers and cover a wide range of potential breastfeeding topics to give new moms and their partners the educational foundation needed to breastfeed successfully. Breastfeeding is similar to any other learned activity in that moms can get much better with practice and know some of the more common issues that new mothers will face. Lactation specialists or nursery nurses are typically the most qualified individuals to hold these courses, and they can impart important lessons and first-hand experiences that can be of use to new parents.

These classes cover a wide range of potential topics, such as baby positioning, creating an ideal and comfortably "latch" position, how to choose breast pumps, developing a breastfeeding routine, proper breast milk long-term storage and much more, all of which can be extremely vital in helping parents make informed choices about their newborn's nutrition (Office on Women's Health).