Breastfeeding class--should DH come too?

[stealthmode]

I am thinking of taking a bf class at the hospital where I will be giving birth. I actually met the instructor when she helped my SIL with bf issues after the birth of my niece. The instructor is great and I think the class will be very informative.

I would kind of like DH to come with me, because I want him to be able to help me out and support me when things are tough the first few weeks. We are also doing the Hypnobabies homestudy course so we aren't really doing a formal birthing class together. I asked if he would go and he said he would go along with whatever I decided.

I guess I'm just feeling a little unsure about bringing him with--for those of you who took a class, were there any men there? Have you heard of men going to these things?

I don't want him to feel awkward if he's the only guy there.

[PatioGardener]

Here where I am the breastfeeding class is actually part of a larger prenatal class - but couples who only want the breastfeeding portion sign up for it seperately (does that make sense?) Anyway, because of this the class is full of expectant Mamas and their partners - your DH would not feel out of place.

I think it is great for partners to go to the class - you really need their support during those first few weeks, which are often challenging.

[Chloe'sMama]

My dh did not attend, but I wish that he would have. There is so much info about the first few days (often times the hospital with push formula very early, etc.) and it would have been nice for him to get all the facts too. And to absorb stuff that I may have missed.

I say YES, YES, YES.

[Ellien C]

Yes - he should totally be there! He needs to know all of this stuff, too.

[pinky]

I teach a breastfeeding class, and it's absolutely geared to couples. In a typical class, I'd say that 80-90% of the dads come. If you're not sure, you could ask the instructor beforehand.

[Poodge]

Another vote for take your DH! My Dh learned so much at the class and was a huge supporter the first weeks when everything is a struggle.

[katelove]

I vote yes too. The single biggest factor influencing continued breastfeeding is partner support.

[Louisep]

I took my DH and beforehand felt kind of silly doing so, but we both benefited from it enormously. I was a very nervous first time mother and my DH helped me get the latch right for about the first 3 weeks (I don't know about others, but I felt like I needed 2 pairs of hands to breastfeed at first!).

[Biscuits & Gravy]

I would absolutely take him with you. DH went with me and there were other men there. It definitely helped him since he had never had an opportunity to learn about breastfeeding or any exposure to it. As a result he was able to be supportive for me.

[Happily Blessed]

At the Women's Center, which is supported and affiliated to the hospital here, I took the breastfeeding class without my husband because he works on Saturdays. I was in the minority being without my husband. I think there were 2 other women who did not have their husband/partner with them in attendance. There were probably 10 couples, and 3 individuals.

I really wished Dh were present. I feel that having a supportive partner during the first few days of breastfeeding is the key to successful long term breastfeeding relationship with your child. They will be able to help when you get overwhelmed - especially in the middle of the night - or when you might have uncertainties about latch, etc.

My husband is one of the main reasons we were so successful. I had latch issues and we went into see the lactation consultant about 3 days after birth and while she was teaching me, he video taped it so that I could refer back to what she said. He was also able to retain all of the information my Mommy brain was not holding.

So yes, if your husband is able to go, tell him he is truly needed and appreciated!

[katelove]

Originally Posted by Happily Blessed

...we went into see the lactation consultant about 3 days after birth and while she was teaching me, he video taped it so that I could refer back to what she said.

What a great idea!!!

[Friday13th]

DH was my biggest help when we started breastfeeding. It's hard to get a good look at a baby's latch yourself so having someone else who knows what he's looking at and can see from all the angles you can't is invaluable. And juggling a tiny, screaming newborn can be a bit overwhelming the first time around so again, a support person who knows what a boppy is and where to put it and what you're talking about when you say "hand him to me, I want to try a football hold" is really priceless.

[EMS]

Yes, definitely have him come if he can. I think I attended a class like that before my first son was born. I don't really remember, so it couldn't have been that helpful, but I think it's really important for him to know how crucial his support is, both practically in the early days--bringing you water, helping out with other aspects of childcare so you can focus on nursing, etc.--but also emotionally, especially if you run into any difficulties. And even better if it's a good class and helps him to understand the process.

[laohaire]

I think a lot of people wonder what you have wondered (should DH go to this thing, will he be welcome or feel odd, etc.). Our local LC's program used to be called "(countyname) Nursing Mothers" but she renamed it "(countyname) Nursing Families" specifically because fathers play a HUGE part in the support of breastfeeding. I also like how the new name includes the baby/child, other children, and even extended family like grandmothers (certainly my mother has gone with me to meet the LC before).

So, yeah, I'd take DH.

[texmati]

My brain was so fried when I was in the hospital after DS was born. It was great that DH remembered what was said in those classes because I certainly didn't. He also was there during every meeting with the Lactation Consultant so he could help me nurse when she wasn't there.

[KatWrangler]

Yes. The class I took was for couples. Hubby was right by my side.

[stealthmode]

Ok, that settles it, he's coming with! Thanks everyone!