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New fathers 'fall in' for boot camp training
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More men will be getting expert training in the art of being good
fathers thanks to MUSC receiving a prestigious Stafford Grant to fund
Boot Camp for New Dads (BCND).
The grant was made possible by the vision of perinatal service’s
director Debbie Browning, R.N., and the skillful writing of Pat Votava,
manager of grants, Children's Hospital. Boot Camp for New Dads is a
father-to-father, community-based workshop that inspires and equips men
of different economic levels, ages and cultures to become more
confident in engaging with their infants, in supporting their mates and
in navigating their personal transformation as new fathers. The program
has been named a best practice by many organizations that consider it
an exceptional means of supporting dads-to-be. It fosters behaviors
that greatly benefit children and help prevent a wide range of social
ills.
Founded in 1990, the non-profit Boot Camp for New Dads has graduated
more than 200,000 men, making it by far the nation’s largest program
for new fathers. The program, which is expanding internationally, is
offered in 44 states and on U.S. military bases. Research shows the
months surrounding a child’s birth provide a window of opportunity
during which fathers are most receptive to support and behavior change.
The program works collaboratively with childbirth educators and taps
the MUSC community for new fathers who are interested in mentoring
dads-to-be during this important phase of life. Boot camp training for
mentors will begin in April with the program starting in May.
For more information on what can be done to support the needs of new
fathers or to be a mentor volunteer, contact program manager,
Kimberly Harris-Eaton, R.N., through her e-mail, harrisk@musc.edu, or
792-6239. Volunteer mentors should be new fathers with children aged 2
or younger who are interested in supporting new fathers. All applicants
should be MUSC employees.
Friday, Feb. 19, 2010
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