Has Anyone Taken the Breastfeeding Class at Northwestern?

My two cents: The class was a good eye opener, but breastfeeding is truly like riding a bike. The class will give you an idea of what to expect and better educated about how to address issues if you run into problems. I toyed with bringing my husband as well and was glad I didn't. Frankly, there's just not much they can do on the breastfeeding front! Plus, they address the responsibilities that can be shared in Great Expectations. Certainly don't feel you have to go, but it will make you more confident when the time comes.

I went to the Northwestern class -- one in the evening -- and only about three women brought partners. And, if I'm being honest, I have to say I resented all of them (although a lot of it was due to being cranky and uncomfortable in general!). I felt self-conscious doing holds in front of the guys for some reason. Again, I attribute a lot of that to general crankiness (as it turns out my son had already dropped and I gave birth just a few weeks later -- one month early!)

There's not a lot for the husbands to do, and they do look bored and uncomfortable at the bare breast movies, but if you want your hubby there for support, he won't be alone!

As far as breastfeeding in general, the premature birth and the fact that my breasts just don't produce much milk combined to keep my son underweight for 4 1/2 months while I desperately tried to keep breastfeeding despite all the challenges. I did get a great lactation consult at my pediatrician, but it just didn't work well for me, and I was scared to stop trying because of all the research that makes you feel like a bad mother if you use formula. If I could do it over, I would have tried for maybe a month, and then, if it didn't work, I would have enjoyed my son and stopped revolving our lives around his feedings and my pumping. So the moral of the story is: breastfeeding is great when it works, but don't stress yourself out if it doesn't!

I took the childbirth class there, but opted not to take the breast feeding class, because I read several books, and felt what I really needed was some hands-on practice. Of course, I got plenty of that for over a year. However, in hindsight, I wish I had taken the class, but only for the benefit of my husband! While he was supportive of breast feeding, we had a very difficult time establishing a latch at first, I had a c-section and was relying on my husband to look for the baby's cues prior to crying, which he was really not getting. He was not much for reading the books, so I really wish I would have taken the class with him. Just my two cents, I think it could be even more helpful for your husband than for you.

I took the class in June and every single person had a partner. They told me on the phone that I would probably be the only person without a partner if I came alone. Perhaps they are doing that so the husbands don't have to worry about being the only men. I feel the class was worthwhile, especially given the fact that the lactation consultants at the hospital are so busy, they don't get in to see you until you are about to leave...even if you ask to see them the first hour you arrive (like I did). They are so overworked that they prioritize their patients based on who is leaving. Despite taking the class, I still had issues though...scabs on my nipples. I still recommend it though.

When I took the class, it was about 50/50 on women who were alone vs. with partner. My husband attended and although he may have been a little uncomfortable at times, I think he found it very educational. I think for him he thought it was part of his being supportive to the pregnancy and afterwards, but that is a very personal thing, so it depends on how your husband feels about it. Either way, I highly recommend it for you. It was very helpful to me.

I went to the multiples breastfeeding class but I am sure it applies to all BF classes. I found it to be helpful, plus I received a BF book for free. I didn't make my husband go to the class. I just gave him the low down when I got home and he has been SUPER supportive even though he didn't attend. There were 7 couples and then me and another girl that came solo. I did feel funny not having my husband there because I was only 1 out of 2 but then just got over it. And you will be fine if you go solo. :) Congrats!

I went a couple years ago. I went by myself. I would say that it is fine to go either way. I think that about half of the women had husbands, but can't remember exactly. If your husband has time to go, then I think he should. During the class they often brought up ways for husbands to support the wives (e.g., get pillows, check the latch). However, if he is busy or has a time conflict with the class, it is fine for you to go alone.

Hi, I took the class and found it to be informative. You will forget a lot by the time the baby has come, but it will still provide a good foundation for certain things and will also give you good resources for when you have questions. I would say that 2/3 of the mothers had their husbands with them. My husband went with me. He did not want to go, but I made him. I think he was just embarrassed, b/c afterwards he ended up joking about some things but was still very supportive of my concerns. I just read an article in the September issue of "Parents" magazine based on a study in "Pediatrics" that found that "moms whose husbands took a 40-minute class on how to deal with common breastfeeding problems (such as discomfort, concern that a baby isn't getting enough milk and the difficulty of pumping) were 67% more likely to still be exclusively nursing at 6 mts than those whose spouses didn't attend it. Study author Alfredo Pisacane, MD, says a dad's support and encouragement may be even more helpful to nursing moms than the advice of a health professional."

Good luck!

When I went about half the women had partners with them. My husband, who did all the birth/ baby classes with me, thought he could have skipped that one. He didn't hate it, but didn't really get much from it. You'd be fine either way.

Almost everyone brings their partner in my class I was the only one who didn't, but most of the guys were either bored or looked very uncomfortable by the whole thing. I am glad my husband didn't go as he would probably have been uncomfortable.

I thought the class was good, but I was very upset with the consultant after I gave birth at Northwestern. You may want to do your research about the consultants before you go into the hospital. I had a lot of trouble breastfeeding and basically instead of being patient with a first time breastfeeding mother I was yelled at and criticized. Your hormones and emotions are already out of whack but add this to the mix and it was not good.

You may want to meet with a couple of people before you give birth, I wish I had and I will do it for my next one, because I gave up too early and I think if I had the proper help and support I could do it.

I did take the breastfeeding class (and a multiples refresher course a few years later). I found it helpful to have my partner with me since it was a while before I had to put anything I learned to use. It was good to have someone else who had been paying attention to help me remember what we'd learned. I think it also made her more helpful and supportive when things were hectic at the beginning. Most everyone in both classes had a partner with them.

Hi J. -

I took the breastfeeding class at Northwestern...the class is mixed some women come alone, other people bring their husbands. I went by myself (in that my husband is incapable of lactating) but you might find it helpful if you want him to be involved with the process - advice for you, etc. There was one guy at the class who was taking notes like his life depended on it and, when we were given dolls to practice the different holds, he took it and practiced them too - I was so embarrassed for his wife!

Whatever you decide, your husband will be in good company or you won't feel weird not to have him there. Good for you for wanting to breastfeed. Good luck.

I didn't take the class, but have advised several friends afterwards that in hind-sight I wish I had. I had a lot of trouble in the beginning with breastfeeding, and we ended up bringing in an in-home lactation consultant. My husband was wonderful, and I truly couldn't have done it without him. I also had an emergency c-section, and I needed every bit of his knowledge and understanding of the process (which he gained from the nurses and consultant) to make it work. Uncomfortable or not, the fathers often have to take an active role in the beginning to help you get through it. It's not as intuitive as it seems. I do believe it's worth the effort. Good luck to you!

Hi J.,

I took the classes and delivered at Lutheran in Park Ridge. Most people brought their partners but you probably won't be the only one solo if you go that route. The class was very helpful. I tell everyone the same thing...I never thought I'd bf and loved it so much I nursed for a year. The most valuable thing I learned was to feed the baby immediately after delivery if possible. There will be time when you're separated and if you get that first feeding in quickly it's supposed to help make the process smoother...for us it appeared to be so. It's a learning process for you and your baby...be patient! Before you know it you'll have it down to a science. If your hubby is supportive now he'll be supportive weather he goes to the class or not. Good luck and feel free to email if you have any questions. We're having our second child in March and I'm looking forward to the experience again!

I took this class and found it helpful and boosted my confidence that I could do it. My boyfriend couldn't make it, so I went alone. There were about 1/3 women alone, and 2/3 with their partners. I don't think your husband needs to go really. I just explained the material and what the teacher said to him after the class, which seemed fine.