Breastfeeding Education in Washington DC

Preparing for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the biological norm for feeding your baby, but that doesn’t mean it comes easy for many parents and babies. Finding the right information and support while you are pregnant sets you up for the best possible beginning to your lactation journey. Start your nursing relationship with confidence by learning how lactation works, what to expect from nursing your baby, and what to do if problems come up.

Mom breastfeeding baby in bed Capitol Hill prenatal breastfeeding class

 We will cover:

  • Why breastfeeding is important

  • Anatomy and physiology

  • Position and latch

  • Preparing for the first days and weeks

  • Common challenges

  • Pumping and returning to work

  • Nutrition and medications

I offer this class as both a group and private class . I can tailor private classes to meet your individual needs.

Location: Capitol Hill, Exact address given after registration

Group class cost: $65 per individual, $90 per couple

Private class cost: $250

Upcoming Class Dates:

Saturdays 3:00pm to 5:30pm

April 6th
June 1st

Saturdays 10:00am to 12:30pm

August 10th
October 5th
December 7th

Fundamentals of Breastfeeding and Sleep

This 4 hour class combines my Preparing for Breastfeeding class with my Understanding Infant Sleep class. Expecting parents will learn about normal baby nursing and sleeping behavior, why babies eat and sleep the way they do, and practical tips for common challenges.

I teach this class in partnership with Balanced Birth Support

Location: Capitol Hill, Exact address given after registration

Cost: $200 per couple

Registration is handled on their website by clicking below!

Upcoming class dates:

1:00pm – 5:00pm

Saturday March 2nd
Saturday May 4th
Saturday July 6th
Saturday September 7th
Sunday November 3rd

Working and Breastfeeding

Returning to work is a major transition for a new family. For the breastfeeding parent, this transition is complicated by the need to pump and store breastmilk for their baby. This class will cover what you need to know about pumping, storing breastmilk, your baby’s milk needs, and planning for your return.

Working mom sits on swing holding baby Capitol Hill working and pumping support

We Will Cover:

  • Pump basics

  • When and how to start pumping

  • How much milk do you need?

  • Bottle feeding a breastfed baby

  • A pumping plan for work

  • A feeding plan for childcare

  • Tips for maintaining your supply

  • Getting the most from your pumping sessions

I offer this class as both a one-hour group class and a customizable private class.

I can tailor private classes to meet your individual needs.

Location: Capitol Hill, Exact address given after registration

Private class cost: $125 for a 1 hour class

Lactation FAQ

Why should I take a prenatal breastfeeding class?

The best way to get breastfeeding off to a good start is by preparing during pregnancy. So many new parents have never spent time around a breastfed baby. They have no idea what to expect or what is normal. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of incorrect information commonly shared by both healthcare providers and other parents. Learning about lactation during pregnancy will help you have realistic expectations and recognize breastfeeding myths when you hear them. 

Why do I need help getting ready to go back to work?

Going back to work is a stressful time for parents and babies. Many parents go back to work before they feel ready. A lactation professional can help you make pumping and feeding plans that will maintain your milk supply and work with your schedule. 

When do I need a Lactation Consultant? 

A Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is there to help with breastfeeding challenges that are not easily resolved. They are an important part of many parents’ breastfeeding success. I recommend finding one while you are pregnant. This way you will know who to call if you need help with nursing. 

What about breastfeeding support groups?

Breastfeeding support groups, such as La Leche League and Breastfeeding USA, are another important part of many parents’ breastfeeding success. They are great for feeling like you aren’t alone. Many parents find a support group helps them work through normal nursing challenges. Sometimes being around other breastfeeding parents helps you see that your baby’s behavior is very normal.

What are some of the most common lactation challenges?

While each nursing relationship is different, there are some common challenges that breastfeeding parents face. A few of these are:

Sore nipples: in the early days of nursing, sore nipples are most often caused by a shallow latch (how baby is attached to your breast). Improving the latch with the help of a lactation professional and checking for anatomical problems such as tongue ties can be helpful.

Engorgement: When your milk comes in a few days after birth, some breastfeeding parents experience engorgement, hard, swollen, warm, and uncomfortable breasts. Frequent nursing and and cold compresses can help.

Plugged duct: A plugged, or blocked duct is an obstruction in the milk duct that blocks milk flow. There is often a hard bump that might be warm and red. Frequent feeding and warm compresses can help.

Mastitis: Mastitis is a breast infection, sometimes caused by a plugged duct or nipple damage. The breast symptoms are similar to a clogged duct but more intense and are accompanied by a fever and flu like symptoms. Mastitis often needs antibiotics to resolve.

Early Supplementing: Supplementing can be helpful or harmful depending on how it is implemented. Supplementation with either pumped breastmilk or formula can give baby needed food while working out breastfeeding challenges. It can however undermine breastfeeding if done without a clear plan to both feed the baby, protect your milk supply, and fix the problem that made supplementing necessary.