With plans for expansion,
MUSC's Boot Camp for New Dads (BCND) will be teaching even more new
fathers the fine art of parenthood—from a male-only perspective.
Program director Kimberly
Harris-Eaton, Ph.D. (c), R.N., said that veteran fathers with MUSC's
program recently received advanced training in Denver that will enable
MUSC to provide trainings in the community and across the state.
The concept of the Denver
program, dads-to-be learning the ropes from men who have successfully
made the transition to fatherhood, began in Irvine, Calif., on Father's
Day 1990. The three-hour boot camp is an interactive time where men
learn everything from how diapers work to how to maintain a couple's
sex life after the birth of a child. Fathers providing training bring
their babies for paricipants to hold.
MUSC volunteer and "drool sergeant"
Rodney
Covington holds up a safety kit used in training. He loves sharing his
parenting experience during camp.
"Many times it's the first
time a dad has held a baby," she said."We want to make sure we're
arming our dads with the right information."
Volunteer Tom Dalik said
the program lets men gain confidence about parenthood. "You realize
that you do have what it takes. You realize how much your child needs
you."
Boot
Camp
Sessions
Advance registration is needed for MUSC's free, three-hour course.
Morning sessions will be June 25, July 30, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8,
Nov. 12 and Dec. 10.
To register, call
792-5300. For more information, e-mail brownind@musc.edu or visit http://www.bootcampfornewdads.org.
MUSC volunteer Dr. Can E. Senkal, with son
Emre Nicholas, enjoys working with the program.
Veteran Advice
"Remember, mothers have
a bond. Fathers have to create a bond. A happy child comes from a daddy
who knows how to take care of him or her. At the first opportunity you
get, take your shirt off and feel your baby against your chest. Feel
the heart beat. Make that bond."
Rodney
Covington, Environmental Services
"You have what it
takes to be a good dad. You may have never held a baby. You may not
have had a father in your life, but you can still be a good dad. Your
child needs you."
Tom Dalik, S.C.
Parenting Opportunity Program
"Find your method of
contribution to the family team. Trust yourself to be the caregiver."
Johnny Mole,
Bioengineering
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