Breastfeeding classes

Sandythedoula · 09-26-2006, 03:57 PM

I was wondering does anyone "teach" a breastfeeding class" to their clients? Does the hospital class we take for certification count enough to list teaching moms as a service the doula provides?
Thanks.

motherstouchdoula · 09-26-2006, 04:18 PM

I do (well I haven't yet because I have no place to teach). I do list them as services on my website.. I have been kinda not to sure about them till I finish my LLL Leadership accred. at least- I am also, taking the CAPPA CLE Distance course. I know that "anyone" can teach breastfeeding classes just as "anyone" can be a doula.
Maybe these other woman have some advice for ya.
T

sacredma · 09-26-2006, 05:27 PM

i want to teach breastfeeding classes to my clients, we offer breastfeeding support on our website.
i am going to take the cappa lactation educator workshop in oct! if anyone is interested we are hosting this workshop oct 28-29th in new paltz, new york.

DoulaYvonne · 09-26-2006, 05:39 PM

I'm not sure if attending one hospital class makes you qualified to teach BF to moms. I mean, sure, like Tera said ANYONE CAN teach a class but how much do you really know? I am not trying to deter you AT ALL, it's just that in my years of "teaching" I have come across a zillion different scenarios. Premies, mutiples, inverted/flat nipples, adoptive bf, thrush, strikes, weaning, toddler(and beyond) nursing, c-sections, prescription drugs, allergies, vasospasm, latch issues, pumping, engorgement, relactation etc, etc, etc! I have a friend who is an IBCLC and I continue to learn from her when she is counseling moms. I would recommend you take more in depth study in BF management and the normal course of BF before counseling others. Maybe go to WIC and see if you can help out, sit in on a series of LLL meetings, go to a few different classes to learn from other instructors.

Have you breastfed children of your own? Not that it is a requirement for teaching, but I believe it gives another facet that can help you with clients. For example, if you are explaining what a let down is, it is nice to have had the experience of knowing what that feels like yourself.
If you did nurse, did you nurse for 2 months or 2 years? It's NOT a competition. Just trying to illustrate that if you don't know about a facet of BF, you had better educate yourself about it so that your clients will trust in your teaching.
Personally, I didn't deliver by c-section, but I counsel moms who did so I need to "know" what it is like to have one. How would you position a baby so that he is not pressing on your incision? Should you nurse in recovery and how do you manage that, etc?

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions and good luck in your newest endeavor!!

Sandythedoula · 09-26-2006, 07:24 PM

Awesome advice!!!
I agree one must be fully emersed in the whole spectrum of breastfeeding in order to be able to counsel in any given situation. I wouldn't want to leave a mama with helf of the information she really needs and deserves.
I plan on taking a breastfeeding class in Oct. I am member of LL. I nursed my daughter for 9 months. But can I still attend meetings even now??

Mucho Love to you all for all the great help!

Sandy

Stacie · 09-26-2006, 07:46 PM

DoulaYvonne · 09-26-2006, 08:03 PM

Sandy, I would definitely make contact with LLL in your area. Since you are not currently nursing a child attending series meetings might not be for you but letting them know that you are there and what services you provide is great. You never know when the situation might arise and your name comes up. It's always good to make friends in the birth community.

Stacie, I don't think you're a freak

Sandythedoula · 09-26-2006, 08:06 PM

Stacie,
That's incredible. I agree with the not sharing personal information unless it will absolutely help the mom.
I joined LL when I was pregnant but never went to a meeting (shhh) I wish I had I probably would have nursed my Emma longer.
How long does it take to become a LL Counselor/ Leader?? What is the cost?
Thanks for a great reply!!!
The more info the better!

Sandy

Stacie · 09-26-2006, 08:07 PM

Sandy, we have had moms attend meetings in similar situations as you, and it is not a problem. Oftentimes potential Bradley instructors come, because it is a requirement. We also have a mom who is not breastfeeding any longer, but who is required to attend meetings to get come lactation certification.

Yvonne, thank you!

Stacie · 09-26-2006, 08:10 PM

Here is the process:
http://lalecheleague.org/FAQ/leader.html

motherstouchdoula · 09-26-2006, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandythedoula

I plan on taking a breastfeeding class in Oct. I am member of LL. I nursed my daughter for 9 months. But can I still attend meetings even now??

Sandy

Yes, you can, go and attend a meeting. Get your hands on the Breastfeeding Answer book .

and the WAB (womanly art of breastfeeding).

Heck here we have an LLL applicant that only breastfed her child for a max of 6 months has only attended 1 meeting, her youngest child is around 8 or so, and they are still letting her be a leader, it will take her less than 60 days to go from 0 to hero..(can you sinse some hostility?!?)
T

Stacie · 09-26-2006, 11:05 PM

Tera, there must have been some extenuationg circumstances! How interesting...

Tashina Marker · 09-26-2006, 11:35 PM

I wish I could help,but as much as I would like to help women & include that in my Doula services,I don't feel qualified.I think that unless I take a workshop on breatfeeding or have children myself,I will not offer it.

Stacie · 09-26-2006, 11:40 PM

Tash, did I send you a copy of my presentation?

motherstouchdoula · 09-27-2006, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stacie

Tera, there must have been some extenuationg circumstances! How interesting...

There is she wants to be an IBCLC and our LLL group wants in the hospital she works at.
Thoes are the extenuationg circumstances. It just rubbs me the wrong way I know is one of our founding Mother's knew what was going on out here she would not be happy at all.