Childbirth Preparation Classes: An Excellent Source for Breastfeeding Techniques and Encouragement
Prenatal Classes are vital for many reasons, including providing beneficial tips on breastfeeding. Seventy-five years ago most women breastfed their babies. The last few decades has seen an alarming reduction in breastfeeding numbers, especially in the western world. A good prenatal class will discuss the issues and obstacles surrounding breastfeeding, while giving women the encouragement to persevere.
So, why can it be so hard to breastfeed?
(1) Cultural reasons. Regardless of where the woman is from in the world there are prevailing cultural forces that can stall breastfeeding. In many less developed countries, those with money often look upon breastfeeding as being a lower class activity. Meanwhile, whether they live in their original country or they immigrate to a western country, breastfeeding will not even be an option.
(2) Familial reasons. Putting culture aside, in many families breastfeeding has been non-existent. So, there is often minimal encouragement at all.
(3) Vanity reasons. Arguably, the worst reason of all for not breastfeeding is that it will deflate the breasts, making them less attractive. This reason is rather unpolitically correct to discuss openly.
(4) Societal reasons. Regardless of where you live, once you head out into public people who are offended can make it really awkward for the breastfeeding woman.
(5) Hospital. Many hospitals not only do not encourage breastfeeding, but make it doubly likely of taking place by giving away free formula provided by the companies.
(6) Latching Problems. This impediment is often connected to one or more of the aforementioned reasons. It can be very frustrating and painful when the baby won’t latch well. Fortunately, for those who want to do everything possible a Lactation Consultant will almost certainly be able to get you over the hump.
So, breastfeeding is not always a given. Conversely the benefits, physically and emotionally, of breastfeeding, both for child and mother, are immense. See to it that your Prenatal Class will properly cover this vital topic.
