Prenatal breastfeeding education increases women’s knowledge of breastfeeding. Mothers who are knowledgeable about breastfeeding and take a positive approach to it tend to initiate and continue for a longer period.
Prenatal planning for breastfeeding is an important step for expectant parents–learning steps you can take before birth to help breastfeeding go smoothly for you and your baby. Knowing what to expect and that there are resources available is extremely helpful.
Check with your local hospital or WIC office to see if they offer prenatal breastfeeding classes!
The WVBI recommends these easily accessible and FREE resources for prenatal education:
Ready, Set, BABY
Online from the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute is a free educational program designed to counsel prenatal families about maternity care best practices and the benefits and management of lactation, incorporating other important information to help parents achieve their goals.
First Droplets
First Droplets is a website founded by Jane Morton, MD, Professor of Pediatrics Emerita, Stanford School of Medicine. The Droplets Stanford Team is made up of obstetricians, pediatricians, and lactation consultants, accompanied by a selective group of nationally recognized physicians with decades of experience in the lactation world. They are committed to improving the experience of new mothers and parents. Parents can use the website again and again to learn the “ABCs of breastfeeding”, attachment, how to always make plenty of milk, and how to make sure baby is getting enough milk. Professionals can also use the site to learn Stanford’s proactive approach to safeguard breastfeeding.