After the initial class in August, Breastfeeding 101 is now in full swing at the Health and Wellness Center.
Both expectant mothers and fathers are welcome to attend the free, two-part seminar. Maj. Cathy Snowball teaches the monthly class.
What’s the biggest problem women experience when breast-feeding?
The most common problem is sore nipples and babies that won’t get on the breast easily. … Many women have just never been around breast-feeding. They’ve had no experience, so that can be a little scary. … We tell them it’s like a dance — sometimes they take the lead and sometimes the baby takes the lead. … The biggest thing is confidence. We tell them all they need is two things: confidence and support.
How do you help instill that confidence?
I think it’s just getting them educated. ... Everyone is different so it’s a matter of showing them different techniques and having them do what’s most comfortable for them.
Is breast-feeding better for the baby than formula?
It’s definitely better for the baby and for [the woman’s] body. The baby gets immunity from the mother’s milk. Studies have shown babies who are breast-fed have less incidence of allergies, asthma and obesity later in life. And that’s just for the baby. Mothers have a decreased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. … And women actually burn calories while they breast-feed.
So, you said there was a record number of dads in your last class earlier this month.
Yes. We had 10 women and nine guys.
What can you teach a man about breast-feeding?
They learn that their biggest role is to take care of the mom. Most who come to the class are first-time parents, so they’re just trying to soak up as much information as they can.
We teach them techniques like how to calm fussy babies by laying them on their chest and talking to them in a soothing voice. A lot of people think breast-feeding is strange or weird, so supporting your wife or partner in the decision to breast-feed is important. And there’s just also the benefit of having two pairs of eyes and ears is a good thing. Just being there for support is a big thing.
The next class is Feb. 4 and Feb. 5 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the gym at RAF Lakenheath. For more information call 226-2710.
