Breastfeeding 101 Classes in Richmond, KY

Breastfeeding 101 Classes in Richmond, KY Healthtalk Transcript

Marti Hackworth, RN, Certified Lactation Counselor
Baptist Health Richmond

Marti Hackworth, RN:

Here at Baptist Health, we offer a Breastfeeding 101 class, and that's very important if you want to breastfeed. Having that class will make you more comfortable when you come to the hospital. You will relax better, have a better bond with your baby, and not have so much anxiety.

During the breastfeeding class, brand-new moms have never even held a baby, let alone tried to breastfeed a baby. I use dolls as props, and I show them different positions. That makes a very big difference with the mom, having that knowledge and being comfortable holding the baby correctly. They really appreciate that, because they know they don't know what they're doing. They want somebody to just tell them how to do it correctly.

The moms I'm seeing on the floor after they deliver, the ones who have had my class, they are so appreciative. When I come in the room, they remember me.

They smile. They're more relaxed. They're enjoying the process of breastfeeding, instead of having so much anxiety. Is my baby getting enough? Why is the baby acting hungry on the second day? They already know why. They take the class during their last trimester, they learn it, and they remember, “Oh, I remember her talking about this in the class. The baby's going to do this.” I go in the room, and they're smiling. They're relaxed. They're not stressed out, and they are able to really enjoy this special bonding time with their baby.