Course Summary
This "breastfeeding basics" class begins with a discussion of the benefits of breastfeeding, followed by a “how-to” session for those first nursings, an “avoiding and solving problems” session, and ending with a “where to go from here” view past the early weeks to the older nursing baby and toddler.

The class title has a double meaning. First, I hope to take the skeptic from “I don’t know IF I should breastfeed” to “Pro-breastfeeding supporter” through a discussion of the benefits of breastfeeding to babies, moms, dads, and society in general. And second, I’ll take the novice from “I don’t know HOW to breastfeed” to “Breastfeeding Pro” -- the accomplished and self-assured breastfeeding mother.

About the Instructor:
Melissa Clark Vickers, MEd, IBCLC, is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and freelance author in west Tennessee. She has been helping women breastfeed their babies for more than 10 years, and has been an expert panelist and contributor for the iParenting Web sites since 1997. She is the mother of two children: Dan, a senior in high school, and Merrilee, an 8th grader. Both were breastfed and provided the basis for Melissa’s desire to help other mothers achieve the same sense of personal satisfaction and empowerment she felt with her breastfeeding experiences.

Who Should Take This Course:
This breastfeeding class is intended to be a primer for pregnant women and new moms, although more experienced breastfeeding mothers may also find the class informative and useful. Fathers and fathers-to-be are also welcomed.

Please read our iParenting Online Class Guidelines before registering.