First 5 Nevada County’s Blog

posted by Laurie Chamberlin

“If I would have had you when I was having my babies it would have been a whole different experience” exclaims Sandi a soon to be grandmother after a recent prenatal breastfeeding class. I smile and consider how many times I’ve heard this before. After all, support is crucial when new mothers and babies are learning to breastfeed.

 “I was absolutely committed to breastfeeding” says Polly, Yet, in the middle of the night when her son was 3 weeks old, she was exhausted and looking for a break. Her husband woke to find her crawling across the floor toward the box of pre-made formula given to her by the hospital. Her husband, Mike, realized at that moment that he had a choice. “I could take the baby and give him a bottle of formula and let my wife sleep, or I could take him and rock him to sleep without the bottle.” Mike chose to support breastfeeding. He had been prepared for this moment and although he was tired, he knew his support was key. “If I hadn’t been prepared for this moment I might have told her to just give him a bottle. In the class we learned how introducing a bottle too soon could interfere with breastfeeding and even lead to other problems. I’d recommend this class to every pregnant couple, there’s nothing to loose, only gain and it’s even free!”

For a list of classes go to www.lauriechamberlin.com

Laurie Chamberlin, CD, ICCE, LE teaches childbirth preparation classes, lactation classes and is a prenatal counselor serving the Grass Valley/Nevada City/Auburn area. For more information contact: lauriechamberlin@comcast.net or call 530.477.5442