Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Late Fall 2016

Look at the online calendar for what’s happening at Bartlett Regional Hospital on any given month, and it is sure to be full of FREE classes on getting ready for a new member of the family, giving birth and taking care of your new baby. See the Summer 2016 edition of HouseCalls for an overview of our on-campus healthy pregnancy seminars, online childbirth preparation courses and breastfeeding clinics. But did you know that Bartlett Beginnings nurse educators also facilitate play groups and support groups for new kiddos and their parents, including offerings just for dads? “This is pretty much my favorite class that we offer,” says Bartlett Beginnings nurse educator Sara Gress. “It’s called Just for Dads and sometimes referred to as ‘boot camp for dads.’” “Most people have no idea,” observed class participant and Juneau dad-of-two Armando DeGuzman. “You know they saw a movie. And it’s nothing like that. Just to know that things are gonna go wrong—it’s just totally different from what you expect, and that’s OK. And to be scared is OK.” Taming the fear factor At Just for Dads, expectant fathers and new fathers discuss the importance of the father’s role in child development. They learn parenting skills such as diapering, calming and bathing their infant. “We have a combined group of expectant fathers and new dads who come in with their babies and talk about the birth experience from their perspective,” says Gress. “We get an opportunity to see how they comfort those babies and change a diaper. We do a bath as well so the expectant dads get to see how to be comfortable with their babies.” New dads share their experiences about the birthing process and parenting an infant. Dads also learn helpful soothing techniques, such as infant massage. DeGuzman has participated in the class as both an expectant and veteran dad. “I think one of the big misconceptions is that it’s a dads’ class where somebody teaches you how to do things,” observed the parent of a 14-month and 4-year-old. “But it’s much more than, ‘This is how I change a diaper or give a bath.’” The class takes on the fear factor that comes with the prospect of being a new parent. “It opens up a dialogue between new dads and soon-to-be dads,” DeGuzman says. “It seems in this culture you don’t want to be scared; you don’t want to ask questions. There’s an ‘I’m going to be the dad and do everything right,’ expectation we put on ourselves. But you know what? I’ve never heard anyone say they knew what they were doing. And no one’s ever said that was a dumb question. A lot of the time people have the same questions.” At the same time, each family has a unique experience. Always learning It’s the varied stories Gress loves as a facilitator. “Everyone’s story is completely different,” she says. “I always learn from every single story.” Gress facilitates another great opportunity for fathers of little ones: a drop-in play group for dads and their young offspring. The Dads ’n’ Kiddos Play Group provides dad time with infants and toddlers in a safe, fun atmosphere. Topics of interest are discussed, such as saving for college, brain development, toddler-proofing your home, car seat safety and discipline. There’s no fee for any of the classes and no requirement to have a baby at Bartlett. “Not at all,” says Gress. “Our hope is that you love us so much and see what a great job we are doing that you are motivated to have a baby at Bartlett Beginnings. But one of the great things about Juneau is all of the wonderful birth choices available. It really enriches the community to have people in the class who have had or are planning different birth experiences. It brings in great questions and varied perspectives.” The class takes on the fear factor that comes with the prospect of being a new parent. Just for Dads Wednesday evenings, 6 to 8:30 p.m., every other month Registration required. Dads ’n’ Kiddos Play Group First Saturday of each month, 9 to 11 a.m. Northern Light Church, 400 W. 11th St., Juneau Bring your baby or toddler, and be ready for a good time! Registration not required. For the complete list of free classes, an online calendar or registration, visit www.bartletthospital .org/babyed . For additional information, contact Sara Gress, RN, at 907-796-8975 or obeducation@ bartletthospital.org . www.bartletthospital.org 5 EVENTS FOR DADS Armando DeGuzman and his daughter, Hollis (left), and Nathaniel Dye with his daughter, Adeline