Breastfeeding Class From a Dad's Perspective

[Davos OnionKing]

So I wanted to post about my recent experience of attending a breast feeding class with my wife. I was really apprehensive and kind of weirded out about going. I don't have breasts and have no plans to get them. After a small debate with my wife I decided to go so she wasn't alone for the class. Long story short is I'm glad I went.

First of all, my wife would have been one of only two pregnent women in there without a male counterpart, which made me a bit embarassed that I protested in the beginning. I also happened to learn quite a bit more than I thought I would. Skin to skin contact for newborns is apparently a huge deal and is totally something a guy can and should do, not to mention how amazing it feels to be holding something so precious and innocent (this will be our second child so I know the feeling already).

If any of you fellow males out there are in the same situation at some point don't be apprehensive like I was. Although be warned if your class was like mine they did show a video of actual human females breastfeeding. If that sort of thing makes you uncomfortable, maybe excuse yourself to the restroom or something when that comes on.

[Frisco]

I'd suggest a birthing class, as well. If you're "weirded out" by the whole procreation process, 8-16 hours of talking about it like grown-ups (and watching a few videos) will go a long way toward curing that.

[Arkhangel]

Good for you! Although if there are soon-to-be fathers out there who are so disturbed by the sight of a woman breastfeeding that they need to leave the room... yeesh. If that applies to anyone reading this: don't leave the room, and get over it.

[awesome possum]

Good for you for getting over that apprehensiveness. Breastfeeding is one of the greatest gifts a mother can give to her newborn.

[Davos OnionKing]

Another cool thing I learned is that for premature infants the most popular medicine that doctors try to use is the mother's breast milk. They even use it for rashes apparently. It really is a wonder of nature.

There was a really funny joke the nurse had when she asked the room to name the known benefits of breast feeding. All the women had great answers and then when she got to one of the dads his answer was "it's cheaper". Funny because that was a the first thing that had popped into my head as well.

[Mlle. Zabzie]

I'm on kid #3, and all 3 have been breastfed. Kids #1 and #2 were early premies, and we did a lot of skin/to/skin care. That said, and this is important, the best, most helpful, thing that you can do for your wife in this process is to be supportive. If she decides not to breastfeed, that's cool, be supportive. If she asks for help, or understanding, that's cool, be supportive. When babies are itty bitty, it is very stressful for everyone, but especially stressful for the mom, who, on top of sleep deprivation, is dealing with hormonal changes, a battered body and, to add to it, the pressure to breastfeed, which isn't necessarily so easy for everybody right at first (and sometimes not at all). Best of luck, do what's best for your family in all situations whatever the haters say, and many congratulations!

[Yersinia]

There was a really funny joke the nurse had when she asked the room to name the known benefits of breast feeding. All the women had great answers and then when she got to one of the dads his answer was "it's cheaper". Funny because that was a the first thing that had popped into my head as well.

The only advantage to breastfeeding l ever noticed was that it leaves you with one hand free to play Mass Effect, although I spent a lot of time hiding behind cover and letting my squad do most of the work.

Of course, this advantage only counts for babies too young to hold a bottle.

[Davos OnionKing]

I'm on kid #3, and all 3 have been breastfed. Kids #1 and #2 were early premies, and we did a lot of skin/to/skin care. That said, and this is important, the best, most helpful, thing that you can do for your wife in this process is to be supportive. If she decides not to breastfeed, that's cool, be supportive. If she asks for help, or understanding, that's cool, be supportive. When babies are itty bitty, it is very stressful for everyone, but especially stressful for the mom, who, on top of sleep deprivation, is dealing with hormonal changes, a battered body and, to add to it, the pressure to breastfeed, which isn't necessarily so easy for everybody right at first (and sometimes not at all). Best of luck, do what's best for your family in all situations whatever the haters say, and many congratulations!

Thanks! My first was breastfed for about two weeks, then my wife got understandably frustrated and emotional because it was not going well and was very painful due to (now we know) an incorrect technique. Had we taken this class the first time I think it would have gone a lot smoother.

[Glaurung]

Davos, I'm sure you weren't the only guy in the room who complained about it before going.

On a side note, a lot of people don't realize this, but some men can actually breastfeed. I believe there is a tribe in Africa where the men share in the breastfeeding.

[Yersinia]

Thanks! My first was breastfed for about two weeks, then my wife got understandably frustrated and emotional because it was not going well and was very painful due to (now we know) an incorrect technique. Had we taken this class the first time I think it would have gone a lot smoother.

What they don't tell you is that a lot depends on the baby itself. Some are just a lot better at it and more motivated to try than others, and it makes a huge difference in the outcome.

I wish her better luck this time.

[Frisco]

Davos, I'm sure you weren't the only guy in the room who complained about it before going.

On a side note, a lot of people don't realize this, but some men can actually breastfeed. I believe there is a tribe in Africa where the men share in the breastfeeding.

That's galactorrhea, which is caused by excessive nipple stimulation. That said, I don't think it's particularly unhealthy to father or child (it's actual milk, since males have all the right glands and building material). But it probably takes more stimulation than an infant alone is willing to give out without reward, before milk starts being produced.

Or maybe I'm just making excuses because I have overly sensitive nipples.

[Mlle. Zabzie]

Thanks! My first was breastfed for about two weeks, then my wife got understandably frustrated and emotional because it was not going well and was very painful due to (now we know) an incorrect technique. Had we taken this class the first time I think it would have gone a lot smoother.

It's amazing how much good a little support on technique, etc. can do! My job is a little ridiculous and one of the benefits we get is access to a breastfeeding consultant, and it was she who really made it possible for me (and suggested lots of things I didn't know existed, like nipple shields) to help us along. Best of luck with a second - I found it was infinitely easier the second time around :)

[Sci-2]

Good for you for getting over that apprehensiveness. Breastfeeding is one of the greatest gifts a mother can give to her newborn.

Yup. My friend breast feeds in public and no one has yet protested AFAIK. Admit I was surprised Montana-ites were so open minded about that sorta thing, but guess that was my own prejudices at work.