Why Go to a Pregnancy Breastfeeding Class?

There is so much information about breastfeeding available online, in books, and from well-meaning friends and family. But nothing beats the support, clarity and confidence you gain from a good antenatal breastfeeding class.

Here’s why attending one during pregnancy can make all the difference.

What Will You Learn?

By the end of the class, you’ll understand how to get breastfeeding off to the best possible start. That includes:

• How the first 48 hours can set the tone for feeding and sleep
  
• What is a good latch and how to know if it's right
  
• The difference between effective feeding and comfort sucking
  
• How to prevent engorgement, blocked ducts and mastitis
  
• How to know when baby needs food versus comfort
  

You’ll also be introduced to colostrum harvesting - a helpful technique to collect and store small amounts of early milk before birth, especially useful if your baby may need a little extra milk after delivery.

What’s Covered?

Some of the key topics include:

• Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth and how this supports bonding and milk production
  
• The signs that baby is ready to feed: rapid eye movements, mouth opening, hands to mouth
  
• Latching technique, including where to position baby and the importance of waiting for that lovely wide mouth
  
• Understanding normal levels of discomfort and how long they should last
  
• Feeding routines and what to expect as milk changes from colostrum to mature milk
  

You’ll also learn how to manage engorgement with warm wet compresses, reverse pressure softening, and ice packs, and how to monitor your baby’s nappy output to ensure they are getting enough milk.

Soothing Techniques and Sleep

The class will also help you with soothing techniques. Let me introduce you to Harvey Karp’s  “Five S’s” - five simple techniques to help soothe your newborn:

1. Sucking on your or their fingers (or a dummy after week two)
   
2. Swaddling
   
3. Shushing (white noise or calming sounds)
   
4. Swinging (gentle rocking)
   
5. Side-lying for settling (but always placing baby on their back to sleep)
   

Colostrum Harvesting: What You Need to Know

From around 37 weeks, you may be advised to start collecting small amounts of colostrum using hand expression. This is a gentle process that you will be guided through in the class. The colostrum can be stored in sterile syringes and frozen for use after birth if needed.

For more help and a step-by-step guide, have a look at my blog post about Antenatal Colostrum Harvesting 

Milk Storage Guidelines

• Fresh milk: 5 hours at room temperature, 5 days in the fridge, 5 months in the freezer
  
• Thawed milk: use within 24 hours
  

Always check your hospital’s specific guidelines if you plan to bring stored milk with you.

In Summary

Breastfeeding classes during your pregnancy are about more than just technique. They help you build confidence, prepare your body and mind, and know what to expect when your baby arrives. Whether it's understanding latch pain, managing night feeds, or knowing when to ask for help, this kind of preparation can set you up for a more positive and empowered start to feeding.

If you are feeling unsure or nervous about your breastfeeding journey, you are not alone. The right knowledge and support can make all the difference, and I’m here to help every step of the way.