Breastfeeding Classes

Today we had breastfeeding classes from 9am-4pm. The first 5 hours were for everyone, and the last couple hours were specific to breastfeeding multiples.

The class started by everyone introducing themselves, telling their due date, baby name (if chosen), the reason why we are interested in breastfeeding and the concerns that we have with it. We got the usual reaction when telling the group we were having twins. It’s funny to us at this point because we kinda look to each other like “wait for it….” and then the group gasps in unison and turn to their significant other like “aren’t you glad we’re not them!” I’m just glad we can laugh about it- it doesn’t really phase us anymore.

So around the room the instructor went and asked the list of questions. A lot of the women mentioned that they were concerned about how it would work when they went back to their jobs 6 weeks after their baby was born. It was reminder of how fortunate I am that I can take 24 weeks off after the girls are born. Just about all of that will be full pay and full benefits. The idea of 2 babies is a bit overwhelming, but it’s such a relief to not be stressing about the financial aspects of it. The last couple years of work have really kicked my butt, but now I’m so glad I stuck it out. Anyhow, back to the class…

The instructor showed A LOT of videos to demonstrate what we’d need to do. We kept hearing “use one hand to do….use the other hand to do…” Unless I just haven’t made it to that chapter in the “what to expect when having twins” book, I don’t think you grow an extra set of arms when you deliver twins. Luke and I kept looking at each other like hmmm….how is that going to work.

Then, towards the end of the first class the instructor says “a lot of times when babies are born early, like 36 weeks or earlier, they don’t have the muscles developed to be able to suck, so you can’t breastfeed them the normal way. But that shouldn’t be a problem for most of you.”

Since we know the girls will be born at or before 36 weeks, this was pretty frustrating for us. So we just sat through how many hours of class only to hear we don’t have enough arms and most of what we just learned doesn’t apply *sigh*

The multiples session was slightly better but seemed to keep going back to “it’s different in every situation and you just have to talk to someone at the hospital and figure out what works.”

I think there was probably some value to the class and figuring out the basics, but I’m interested to see how this all works in reality with 2. I’m SO glad this was our last full day of classes. We have an infant CPR evening class and then I think we’re officially done with classes all together.