“The keys to breastfeeding success”: prenatal education with lactation counsellor Taya Griffin (guest review)

Guest reviewer Cynthia had the opportunity to take a breastfeeding preparation class with Taya Griffin, arguably one of the Greater Toronto Area’s finest lactation counsellors (and I’m not just saying that because she’s a friend of mine). Taya studied at the renowned Newman Breastfeeding Clinic, and is committed to helping women understand the realities, benefits and recommendations when it comes to nursing their babies.

Cynthia is currently very pregnant with her first baby, due February 2. She’s an elementary school teacher working with the York Region District School Board. At 38 weeks pregnant, she is still working! Cynthia and her husband don’t know if they’re having a boy or a girl, but are pretty anxious to find out and meet their little one.

*****************************************************************

This is Taya. She’s hot, and she knows her stuff.

Last weekend, my husband and I attended lactation counsellor and homeopathic doctor Taya Griffin’s breastfeeding class, “The Keys to Breastfeeding Success.” It was an extremely informative class that I would recommend to all first-time parents. Not only did I learn a lot from this class, but I know that my husband also took a lot in, which will help make him an even greater source of support when our little one is born.

Cynthia and her hubs.

THE GOOD

During this small group class, Taya discussed the different reasons why breastfeeding is optimal both for the mother and the newborn baby. She also explained the ways to get off to a good start with breastfeeding, including the importance of the “baby crawl” (also called breast crawl to self-initiate breastfeeding), skin-to-skin contact and babywearing.  By discussing baby’s early feeding cues, how to have a good latch, different breastfeeding positions and natural solutions to common breastfeeding problems, Taya put my and my husband’s minds a little more at ease. We now feel much more prepared for this amazing journey.

Taya was very thorough with her explanations and offered plenty of time for questions and discussions. She provided us with resources to bring home, as well as links to websites and videos that provide even more information.

The one message that I left the class with was to not give up on breastfeeding when I’m feeling overwhelmed, and to know that there is a lot of support out there if problems do arise. Though passionate, Taya didn’t paint a rosy picture about the first couple of weeks of breastfeeding, and I appreciated her honesty.

THE GAFFE

Although not quite a gaffe, the class had only a small hands-on component. It was mostly taught through seated discussion.  For me, this style makes the most sense, as I do not yet have a baby to be nursing. As well, being in my third trimester I was happy to be able to sit and listen and not have to be overly physical. This style worked for my husband and I, although if you’re someone who enjoys a more kinesthetic experience, you might get a little antsy.

THE GEARS

4.5/5

So…how do you sign up?

•  Contact Taya Griffin directly

CONTEST

Preggers and planning to breastfeed? Then this is one prize that could be priceless: win a PRIVATE prenatal breastfeeding session with Taya Griffin – enter here.