Are you an expectant mum? These free breastfeeding classes online will help prepare you for the phase of breastfeeding which seems to be a struggle, especially among new parents. Stay with me as I share all you need to know.
- Free Breastfeeding Preparation Classes- The Baby Academy Canada
- Breastfeeding 101: What to Expect in the First 30 Days
- US Office on Women’s Health Breastfeeding Videos
- A Free Virtual Breastfeeding- eClass (Online)
- Free Breastfeeding Class- Milkology
- Stanford’s Short Course on Breastfeeding
- Antenatal Breastfeeding Class- Blossom
- Free Breastfeeding Class Online- Nursing Mothers
- Free Online Breastfeeding Class- Breastfeeding Housecalls
- Breastfeeding Class Online- Henry Ford Health
Just like you prepare for war before the day of war, you should equip yourself with the skills and best strategies of breastfeeding before the arrival of your baby, especially if you are a new parent. Trust me, that breastfeeding that you think is natural may at some point get you confused if you don’t start early to ask questions and take lessons.
Now, if you are opportune to take advice or lessons from a lactation consultant onsite, grab the opportunity. But in a situation where such is not available, find your way to online breastfeeding classes whether free or paid, and get the knowledge that you are seeking.
In this article, I will show you the various free breastfeeding classes online you can enroll in, what you stand to gain from them, their duration, and so on. We are still together, right?
See the requirements that can help you take the courses successfully when you enroll. Let’s get started already!
What is a Breastfeeding Class?
A breastfeeding class is best described as where expecting mothers get the necessary information needed to navigate through the phase of breastfeeding their newborn babies.
In this class, you will be taught breastfeeding management, baby’s first feeding, positioning & latch, the importance of breastfeeding, how to tell if the baby is getting an adequate intake, and many others.
Quick Fact:
There is an increased rate of breastfeeding among women who partook in prenatal breastfeeding classes than those who did not.
Study according to Minerva Pediatr (2017)
Free Breastfeeding Classes Online
Breastfeeding classes whether online or offline can teach you a lot of things you need to know, which will in turn make motherhood easier for you. I can tell you this for free.
Below are the free online ones you can apply to. As I said earlier, I will list and throw some brief explanations so that you can get a full understanding of them.
1. Free Breastfeeding Preparation Classes- The Baby Academy Canada
This course is offered by the Baby Academy in partnership with Momcozy and is designed for those expecting babies or planning to breastfeed. Are you in your second or third trimester of pregnancy, living in Canada? This course is open to you.
Here, you will learn how to master your baby’s latch, how to detect when the baby is hungry, antenatal hand expression of milk, breastfeeding myths, and so on.
Price: Free
Duration: Not Stated
Q & A Sessions: Yes
2. Breastfeeding 101: What to Expect in the First 30 Days
Tinyhood offers free courses that give in-depth knowledge about breastfeeding. Here, you will learn what to expect in the first few hours, days, and weeks of the breastfeeding journey. You will also explore concepts like latch and positioning, how often the baby needs to eat, and many others.
There is the availability of downloadable class handouts, and the course is taught by certified experts, Dana Czuczka, MPH, IBCLC.
Price: Free
Duration: 2 weeks+
Q & A Sessions: Yes
3. US Office on Women’s Health Breastfeeding Videos
You can access a wide range of topics on breastfeeding put together by OWH. The videos contain women sharing their experiences on breastfeeding, and also tips on new moms can navigate the breastfeeding phase.
You will access videos like Secrets to Breastfeeding Success, benefits of Breastfeeding, Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges, breastfeeding in one word, Uncovering Breastfeeding Misconceptions, daddy duty, building a Breastfeeding Support Network, etc.
Price: Free
Duration: Varies
4. A Free Virtual Breastfeeding- eClass (Online)
This is among our free breastfeeding classes online. It is offered by Sutter Health, and gears at helping expectant mothers learn the strategies or ways to handle the breastfeeding phase. The lessons are taught using videos, 3D animations, etc., for you to understand better.
You will learn topics like strategies for a great milk supply, skills to achieve a comfortable latch, the role of breast pumps, and many others. You have the opportunity to choose the language of instruction for the class- English, Japanese, German, Arabic, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Portuguese.
Price: Free
Duration: 2- 3 hours
5. Free Breastfeeding Class- Milkology
Milkology offers a comprehensive free breastfeeding class to everyone expecting a baby. This class covers topics such as how to prepare during pregnancy, where to reach out for help, how to make plenty of milk for your baby, etc.
You will also look at what to expect in the early days and where to find a super support team. The name of the course is “Secrets to Success”, and it is done at no cost.
Price: Free
Duration: 5 Days
6. Stanford’s Short Course on Breastfeeding
This course is offered by Stanford University through Coursera. It teaches you everything you need to know about breastfeeding using beautiful illustrations, and interviews with international mothers. Here, you learn the challenges, recommendations, and practical considerations around breastfeeding.
The course is taught by industry expert, Maya Adam, and can be taken in languages such as Arabic, French, English, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese, Polish, German, Thai, Indonesian, and many others. It is good to note that there is a paid certificate available upon completion.
Price: Free
Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes
7. Antenatal Breastfeeding Class- Blossom
This free class offered by Blossom aims to teach you how your body makes milk, different positions for feeding your baby, how to get a good latch, and many others.
The course providers understand the challenges associated with breastfeeding, so helpful tips and tricks are given on how to make breastfeeding a rewarding experience for both you and your baby.
Price: Free
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
8. Free Breastfeeding Class Online- Nursing Mothers
Nursing Mothers Counsel offers free breastfeeding classes online which cover topics like how to establish a good milk supply, what to expect in the early days, how to get an optimal latch, milk expression & pump basics, proper positioning, etc.
The class is designed for expectant parents, birth attendants (doulas), support people and others. It is usually done through Zoom, and at the end of the session, you have room to ask questions.
Price: Free
Duration: Varies
Q & A Sessions: Yes
9. Free Online Breastfeeding Class- Breastfeeding Housecalls
Breastfeeding Housecalls offers free breastfeeding classes online which helps expectant mums to get prepared. The class covers topics such as preparing for birth, anatomy & physiology of the breast, positioning & latch, breastfeeding management, etc.
You will also be taught topics like how to wean and how to program your milk supply. It is important to note that this basic class is free of charge.
Price: Free
Duration: Not Stated
10. Breastfeeding Class Online- Henry Ford Health
This is also one of the free breasting classes online. It helps women with the necessary information needed for the management of breastfeeding.
The classes are taught by an International Board of Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and cover topics like feeding on cue, healthy eating during pregnancy and beyond, skin-to-skin, learning how to breastfeed, rooming in, and many others.
Price: Free
Duration: 12 weeks
Benefits of Breastfeeding Classes
If you are still asking yourself reasons you should attend breastfeeding classes, here are they;
Adequate Preparation
Taking breastfeeding classes whether online or offline helps prepare you for what is ahead. Through those classes, you will learn the essential skills needed to make the breastfeeding phase a fascinating and rewarding experience for you and your baby.
Continuous Support
When you enroll in breastfeeding classes, and eventually give birth, you are not stopped from still reaching out to midwives for support. You can be confused about positioning or any other thing, and still reach out to your instructors.
Networking
Breastfeeding classes give room for networking whereby you get the chance to meet other expectant parents, share your experiences with them, and they also with you. Having a group of people who are having the same experiences as you is really a good support source.
Personalized Learning
In breastfeeding classes, you will have the opportunity to express how and what happens to you, and get personalized solutions. Everyone is not the same so what works for A may not work for B. Breastfeeding classes give your personal solutions.
How Long Is a Breastfeeding Class?
There is no specified duration for breastfeeding classes. While some take one hour or two, others may span across days or even weeks. It is important to inquire about the duration of anyone you wish to partake in.
Conclusion
At this point, you have gotten enough information on how to get started with your breastfeeding classes online. Remember it is usually advisable to enroll before your due date of delivery so as to prepare ahead.
I wish you the best of luck as you take your classes.
