Should my husband come with me to a breastfeeding class?

Find a good doctor. Check. Decorate the nursery. Check. Decide on a name. Check. Go to childbirth preparation classes. Check. Get educated on Breastfeeding. Not checked it. If you are a pregnant, and planning on breastfeeding, it is essential that you prepare yourself. Some suggestions include reading books such as "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding", watching videos online, and attended a breastfeeding class. These courses are usually offer though your hospital or childbirth center. They can be very valuable and provide lots of information to help your nurse your precious baby

Recently, on a parenting and pregnancy message board that I frequent, someone asked if her husband should accompany her to the class. There were mixed reviews on this issue on the forum. Some moms thought it was helpful that they're husbands came along, others (such as me) thought it was best that they not come.

My husband did not come with me to the breastfeeding class, because, quite frankly, I didn't want him to see a bunch of other women's breasts. I don't think he would have felt comfortable either. However, there could have been some benefits of him coming. Here are some pro's and con's:

Pro's:

* Husband will learn more about the numerous benefits of breastfeeding

* Husband will learn more about positioning, latching the baby to the nipple, and frequency of feedings.

* Husband will understand some of the complications of breastfeeding including thrush, sore nipples, engorgement and more.

* If you are exhausted and forget about what you learned, you have your husband as a back-up.

Con's:

* Your husband will see photos and videos of other women's breasts

* Your husband might be the only male there and feel uncomfortable.  Several of the moms on the message board stated that no dads came to the class.

* It takes up valuable time that could be used for something else such as hanging up photos in the nursery.

On thing to remember is that your husband can be educated on nursing in other ways, not just through the breastfeeding class.  It is your personal decision, there are many benefits of him attending the class with you, but it is understable if you would prefer he not be there.

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits to both the mom and baby.  For more suggestions on preparing for breastfeeding, read "How to Get Help and Support With Breastfeeding. "  Another helpful article to read, "Twenty Important Things to Do During Your Pregnancy ".

Congratulations! Good luck as you enter mommyhood!