Our classes are a service offered by qualified breastfeeding counsellors and community educators who are volunteers in your local area and are exclusive to Australian Breastfeeding Association members.
The total is $90 plus booking fee for new joined members (membership costs $70). You will need to be a member to book a class so please join before booking at https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/membership.
Expecting a baby? Have you got questions about breastfeeding? Most babies breastfeed within an hour of being born, so it pays to learn what to do well before your baby is due. Come to a relaxed, information-packed Breastfeeding Education Class for expectant mothers and their partners!
Although breastfeeding is natural, it doesn't always come easily and is a learned art. Our classes aim is to provide expectant parents with the knowledge and confidence to successfully breastfeed.
Classes are designed for expectant parents to prepare for the vital days, weeks and months after your baby's birth.
They are presented by trained Australian Breastfeeding Association counsellors or educators. You can gain up-to-date information and insights into breastfeeding a baby and parenting in the early days.
Why attend?
Australian research has shown that many mothers wish they had received more preparation for breastfeeding and the early months of parenting prior to the birth of their baby. Attending an Breastfeeding Education Class complements and expands on any knowledge gained at antenatal classes and gives you the opportunity to:
- Learn some of the skills you will need to care for your new baby
- Find out how breastfeeding works, how to do it and what help is available
- Make informed choices about breastfeeding
- Realistically prepare for the changes about to happen in your life
- Discuss questions and concerns you may have about breastfeeding
- Develop a support network before giving birth
- Find your own path amidst all the varying advice
What is covered in a class?
- How breastfeeding works
- Establishing breastfeeding and the first feed
- Importance of skin-to-skin contact in the first hours and beyond
- Positioning and attachment (how to hold and attach your baby to the breast)
- Understanding your milk supply
- Discussion of what is 'normal' for a breastfed baby
- Role of partners in breastfeeding
- Adjusting to parenthood - survival tips for the early days and weeks with a new baby
- Common concerns and problem solving
- Classes also generally include:
- Printed information to take home and keep
- A breastfeeding mother and baby demonstrating a breastfeed (when available)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- At what stage of my pregnancy should I attend a class?
- Please consider a class during your second trimester – i.e. between weeks 13 and 24. This is to allow for your comfort and babies who arrive early. Of course, we are also happy to accommodate those further along than this! Please book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited and classes fill up quickly.
- How long does a class go for?
- Classes generally run for 3-4 hours, including a refreshment break.
- Should my partner come too?
- Absolutely! They might not be doing the breastfeeding, but can be your major support and it really helps for them to learn everything with you. If your partner is not able to attend, you are welcome to bring along another family member or support person.
- How much does the class cost?
- Our classes are exclusive to Australian Breastfeeding Association members. The cost of the class is only $20, plus annual membership of $70 if you haven't yet joined.
- If you are not yet a member, please join at https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/membership/individual before booking
