One of the things that you need to think about when you’re pregnant is whether you’re going to breastfeed your baby or use a bottle. There are usually classes that you can take where you will learn about the benefits of breastfeeding and ways to make the process a bit easier for you and your baby. The lactation classes Gig Harbor Medical Centers and Facilities offer aren’t required, but they can give you the details that you need to help in making a final decision about how to feed your baby.
When you take this type of class, you’ll learn about some of the different ways to hold your baby while you’re breastfeeding. This is important because there could be a position that works better than others that would allow your baby to breastfeed when other positions aren’t comfortable. During the lactation classes Gig Harbor offers, you’ll learn that breastfeeding is something that doesn’t always come naturally. It’s all right to be confused and emotional because your baby might not be latching on properly or just doesn’t seem to want to nurse at all. It’s a process that isn’t always for every mother or every baby.
During the classes, you’ll learn about the benefits of colostrum as well as your breast milk. You’ll also learn about how to pump milk if you plan to go back to work or if someone else will be caring for your baby during the day. There are lessons about the various foods that you can eat that can increase the amount of milk that you produce as well as some of the foods and substances that you’ll want to avoid as they can impact the health of your baby. Sometimes, a teacher from the class can visit you in the hospital to show you how to breastfeed so that you have a better idea as to how it’s done.