And yeah, seems like breastfeeding is still considered a weird thing to do for some. In my prenatal classes, which is largely attended by poor African American women, we have both midwives and breastfeeding peer counsellors advocating with us every week: teaching us the basics of how and for how long plus loads of info about why you’d want to breastfeed. And still there are quite a few of the women in my class who refuse to consider doing it themselves. There’s some cultural stuff that I’ve read about there – can’t remember where – it’s sad though, with the infant mortality rate in DC being as bad as it is.

Thanks for bringing this one up, Mel! And happy Canada Day!

CaroLyn’s last blog post..Late Pregnancy Symptoms – Some Weird, Some Less So

Amber’s last blog post..Ferocity

I took a prenatal yoga class in LA at the well-known Golden Bridge yoga studio. The instructor asked each of us our due dates, concerns, etc. No mention of breast feeding – just soreness of enlarging breasts. I didn’t miss it though. It was a PRE natal class. I got out of it what I expected to get out of it. I left the breast-feeding info up to my midwife, Bradley coach and lactation consultant. Perhaps prenatal yoga instructors could offer handouts or resources after class or offer to answer questions expectant moms may have about nourishing their child POST natal.

But, I knew I was going to breast feed. So, I don’t see the harm in an instructor mentioning it for the benefit of mothers who may not know.

Pure Mothers’s last blog post..Plastic Packaging Awareness

I for one was sorely disappointed with my prenatal yoga classes. There were no introductions and I always felt a tiny bit awkward b/c no one was ever introduced. She did talk while getting us into poses (“this is great to do in the shower to alleviate back pressure etc.) However, I was planning a homebirth and she was always making these comments like, “Oh your so brave!” There were a few women who came to class in early labor and she would get all stressed out. I thought it was odd for a pre-natal instructor.

Anyhow, I’m planning on getting certified and dream of creating a hybrid type of class. I want to incorporate yoga, but also have quotes to take home, maybe a little time for journaling/discussion and I absolutely love Mary’s take on it! I’m inspired and will definitely speak of bfing and a normal part of the whole process!

hillary’s last blog post..Rock Steady

Yep, I’m 1000% sure it was a Prenatal Yoga class – I even went and looked up the description of the class on the studio’s website, and it makes no mention of any birthing info – only on exercises to relieve pregnancy pains (which is all we focused on.) Nobody ever talked about their pregnancy or due dates, or how they were feeling. The only time it was ever mentioned is when somebody said “where’s so-and-so” and the instructor said “oh, she had her baby.” That was it.

Birth education would have been pretty helpful to me in that pregnancy because I had no idea what I was doing, and went in for the induction that cause my cesarean.

Prenatal

This class is designed for expectant moms in all stages of their pregnancy. Experience relaxing yet challenging poses suitable for students of all levels. Students will learn key poses intended to help alleviate common aches and pains associated with pregnancy like back pain, leg cramps, and sciatica. Simple breathing techniques that are beneficial throughout the entire pregnancy are also taught in this helpful class.

TheFeministBreeder’s last blog post..A Message to my Boys about Michael Jackson

I’m not sure if a yoga class is the right setting for breastfeeding education, simply because I never heard any talking at all at the class I went to. Where would it fit in? I’m having a hard time imagining it.

Now, should breastfeeding be a part of an actual Birth class? ABSOLUTELY! IMO it should take up 50% of the class!

TheFeministBreeder’s last blog post..A Message to my Boys about Michael Jackson