Breastfeeding course? Birth plan? Help😬

Question

2 questions for my mamas out there - 
1) I’m thinking about doing an online breastfeeding course - anyone have experience with these? Are they worth it?
2) I saw a recent blog that mentioned having a print out of your “birth plan” to bring with you to the hospital - is this really needed? 
T-minus 6 weeks until our little man’s arrival and I’m feeling a bit anxious😬😅

Answer

I went to a 2 hour class offered by a local hospital (doesn’t have to be the one you’re delivering at) which was really useful and am currently reading a book called ‘breastfeeding made simple’ 
I made a birthplan simply because the lists online made me consider all the options in advance so I can decide on my preferences rather than having a bunch of questions I haven’t researched sprung on me while I’m having a baby or right after. But be prepared for things to change as you go along. I was more concerned with things that happen after birth as now I’ll be having a csection, like delayed cord clamping, skin to skin, my husband remaining with the baby, vitamin K shot, hold off on bath til after first hour things like that. Make sure you talk your preferences through with your doctor prior to D day. Good luck!!

Answer

I looked up online tips for breastfeeding but didn’t pay for an online course. My insurance did cover a lactation consultant though, so I took advantage of that as needed with my first.
As to the birth plan: it depends on how much control you need to feel comfortable. I think for me it’s essential for me to bring my printed birth plan with me to delivery. I want my birthing team to be informed and respectful of my desires for my birth experience and the health of my baby once it’s born. I like to be clear and straightforward. I’ve had bad experiences with doctors in general before not listening to me and trying to take advantage of me though. So I’m a bit more picky about control in my own health than some people.

Answer

I didn’t make a birth plan for my first and I won’t for this one but I do recommend educating yourself on interventions and the reasons they are used. This was if something arises you have the knowledge to refuse or consent. I would go in open minded though, too many women get all worked up over their birth plan not being followed perfectly. 
I went in open minded and just let my labour dictate what would happen. It’s hard to “plan” really because you have no idea what is going to happen, how you’re going to feel, how your body will react to pain etc. 
As for breastfeeding, I also went in blank. As soon as we did skin to skin I popped that baby on my boob and away we went. I wouldn’t stress too much about it until there is something to stress about. If you run into problems see the lactation consultant at the hospital. If you are really worried about it you can see one before. I don’t feel like there is enough to learn to pay for an actual class but it certainly wouldn’t hurt so if you feel it will put your mind at ease then take one.

Answer

There are a lot of good sample birth plans online. A good tip is to keep it simple and short (no more than a page). I use a template for a visual birth plan from mamanatural.com, but any sample will give you a good starting point of things to consider. It might seem overwhelming, but it helps you sort out your priorities and allows you to consider options when you have time to research, think things through and develop alternate plans (as opposed to mid-labor). 
While it is a plan, it can of course change. A healthy baby and mom are the ultimate goal, but there is no harm in considering how you would like the path to that point to look in your ideal world. It is good to be aware of what your options are.

Answer

For me the birth plan is more about just making sure doctors and nurses know certain facts (I ignore the parts where people want essential oils, music etc). I want the docs to know I have scoliosis (before putting in an epidural), delayed chord clamping (if theres no emergencies), delay bath etc.

Answer

I took a local free breastfeeding class from WIC. It’s available to all moms regardless of income. As a third time mom, it was still helpful. I found out the reason I struggled with breastfeeding with my first two sons was due to them having a tongue tie. Never had any idea until a week ago. They are 8 and 5 years old now. 
In regards to a birth plan, I am having one in case I don’t get my doctor. You never know when they may be busy and another doctor is coming in to substitute for them. There are multiple doctors at my office and I want them all to know what I want out of my birthing experience. It just gives me piece of mind. It’s not required though.

Answer

I nursed my first for 14m... honestly my best advice I can give you is find a breastfeeding support group near you. Most hospitals have them. There are also some great fb groups, but in person groups are the best. It was my opportunity to get out of the house, to a place that got me (and all my feelings), and I could nurse without worrying.
You can take all the classes you want now, but what you really need to be successful at breastfeeding is in the moment support and answers to your questions/situation. I went every week to support group and some of those moms have become great friends.

Answer

I'm expecting my first but I can tell you that a lot of the questions that are asked about breastfeeding from women who have children already on this app I can answer because of the breastfeeding classes I've taken. I would suggest talking to your doctor about making a birth plan, mine suggests doing on but there are some things that you don't really have to put on your plan because they're already policies at the hosptial you'll be delivering at.

Breastfeeding course? Birth plan? Help😬

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