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Antenatal Classes

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Breastfeeding Education Classes             Printable brochure

Why Attend?

Australian Research has shown that new mothers wish they had received more preparation for breastfeeding and the early months of parenting prior to the birth of their baby.

Attending an Australian Breastfeeding Association Breastfeeding Education Class compliments the knowledge gathered at antenatal classes, and give you the opportunity to:

• Learn some of the skills you will need to care for your new baby

• 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

• Meet other women who share your commitment to breastfeeding

• Find your own path amidst all the varying advice

What's in the classes?

The relaxed and information packed seminars are a great first introduction to the Australian Breastfeeding Association's support network.

Qualified ABA breastfeeding counsellors and community educators volunteer their time to facilitate these sessions.

Topics will cover:

• How breastfeeding works?

• Establishing breastfeeding and the first feed

• Importance of skin-to-skin contact in the first hours and beyond

• Positioning and attachment

• 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

The sessions include:

• Up to date information and notes to keep

• Breastfeeding mother and baby in attendance to demonstrate a breastfeed (when possible!)

Frequently Asked Questions:

At what stage of my pregnancy should I attend a class?

Please consider a class during your second trimester - ie between weeks 13 and 24. This is to allow for the mother's comfort and babies who arrive early. Of course, we are also happy to accommodate those further along than this!

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 to learn everything with you. If your partner is not able to attend, you can bring along a friend or other support person if you wish.

I am having twins! Do you have a special class for me?

While you are welcome at our regular classes, where your special needs can be briefly addressed, we also run  classes specifically for parents of multiples every few months  at the Breastfeeding Centre in Dandenong, printable leaflet

My baby is due in the next few weeks. The class I want says it is fully booked! HELP!

Please book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited and classes fill up quickly. We are not able to take extra people and do not hold waiting lists for fully booked classes. However, your local group of the Australian Breastfeeding Association may have upcoming meetings you can attend before your baby is due.

How much does the class cost?

Our classes are exclusive to new or existing Australian Breastfeeding Association subscribers. The cost of the class is only $20.00, plus subscription if you haven't yet joined.

What about classes in 2010?

Our volunteers are busily arranging dates and venues for next year. As soon as details are available, they will be posted on the calendar here, so check back regularly.

Registration and subscription includes:

• Approx. 3 hour workshop-style class, including time for refreshments
• One-year subscription to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, which includes
• The book Breastfeeding ... naturally, valued at $35.00
• Introduction to your local ABA network of discussions and other services for pregnant and new parents.
• One year subscription to Australian Breastfeeding Association magazine "Essence"
• Complimentary handout material
• 10% discount on purchases from Mothers Direct
• 50% discount on breast pump hire rates

Photos used on this site are copyright to the photographers and/or Australian Breastfeeding Association. They may not be reproduced without express permission.

For permission to use photos please contact our Australian Breastfeeding Association Photo Library

Visitors since Sunday February 15th 2004

Send mail to Yvette with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: September 08, 2008