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FAMILY LIFE

CLASSES FOR FAMILIES WHEN BABY

If you are working to master the art of supporting your baby’s head or seeking to ARRIVES EARLY
excel in other activities of daily parental living, such as bathing, breastfeeding,
diapering or buckling your little one in her car seat, consider the Beginnings Classes If your little one comes before his due date, your
offered at Navicent Health. family may spend time with your baby in the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. During this time,
Led by childcare experts, such as registered nurses, childbirth educators and both parents, dads included, are encouraged to
lactation consultants, these classes offer the complete spectrum of information that practice kangaroo care, or skin-to-skin contact.
parents need when raising a new baby. Courses include: This is a wonderful time for new dads to begin
»» Prepared Childbirth Class—This three-week class, also available as a one- connecting with their babies. It is also an
opportunity for dads to begin singing, reading
day Saturday class, covers the birthing process, including labor and relaxation and talking to their babies.
techniques.
»» Baby Care Basics Class—This two-hour course shares information about caring for But this connection doesn’t have to be only
baby, baby-proofing your home and safety tips. for parents of premature babies. All babies can
»» Infant CPR Class—Learn infant CPR, rescue breathing and how to handle benefit.
conscious and unconscious choking during this two-hour class.
»» Breastfeeding Class—A certified lactation consultant leads this two-hour class to Bonding has a long-term impact on a
help birthing partners develop a successful nursing routine. child’s outcomes, including development
»» Sibling Class—This two-hour class designed for kids ages 3 to 10 will help them and vocabulary,” says Mitch Rodriguez, MD,
understand and embrace having a new baby in the home. neonatologist and Business Development Director
»» Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital Car Seat Safety Class—Learn how to at Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital,
properly and safely install your car seat during this two-hour class. Navicent Health. “Being truly engaged is an
invaluable way to support mom and baby alike.”
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BEGINNINGS CLASSES AT NAVICENT HEALTH,
VISIT WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/PAGES/BEGINNINGS-CLASSES.

According to JAMA, 1 in 10 fathers experience symptoms of PPD, Feeding the baby a bottle of pumped breast milk or formula
especially during the 3- to 6-month period after the baby’s birth. allows you to have the one-on-one connection that you might crave.
Symptoms of PPD in men may include increased anger, frustration, Talk to the baby in a calm and soothing way as you’re feeding
irritability, feeling discouraged, headaches, weight gain or loss, him—the baby will be comforted by your voice.
and unexplained sadness. Because this type of anxiety and unease
can interfere with your ability to enjoy your new baby, staying as Other options to get involved with your baby’s care and
connected as possible is critical. development include bathing your baby, changing diapers, and
reading stories and rocking before bed.
TOP TIPS TO ENGAGE
“Establishing your own nighttime routine as a dad is a great
If you’ve never been around a baby before, you may struggle as you thing to do to connect with your baby,” Upshaw says. “It can be
take on new responsibilities. Remember that every new parent feels especially helpful for mom, as well.”
terrified of his or her new role at some point, but you’ll become
more comfortable and confident over time. Classes are available at ADDRESSING THE FEAR FACTOR
Navicent Health to help you learn more about the basics of caring
for your new son or daughter. If you are one of those dads who is worried about
unintentionally doing something wrong that could harm your
The first days, weeks and even months of your baby’s life are child, try not to panic.
an adjustment, and both you and mom will be learning as you go.
Try some of these ideas to bond with your baby as you adjust to “Here in the hospital, we tell dads that, yes, babies are small and
parenthood. delicate, but you shouldn’t be afraid of them,” Upshaw says. “Learn
how to support your baby’s head properly and feel reassured as
If your partner is breastfeeding, you might feel left out or think you take on more of the responsibilities. The more you practice
you’re not important. That’s definitely not the case. While you can’t holding and caring for your baby, the more natural and comfortable
breastfeed, you can certainly comfort the baby while your partner it will feel.”
gets prepared to breastfeed, and you can rock the baby to sleep
after a feeding. TO LEARN ABOUT THE FAMILY BIRTHING CENTERS AT
NAVICENT HEALTH AND NAVICENT HEALTH BALDWIN,
VISIT WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/SERVICE-CENTER/
FAMILY-BIRTH-CENTER-NAVICENT-HEALTH.

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