We have added a ton of new classes to our class schedule for 2007. And
one of the classes I want to add to our schedule is one taught by dads
to dads. I envision it happening on a Saturday morning or afternoon or
even perhaps one evening. I would like it to be taught quarterly. I
have a chlidbirth class space in Lawrenceville within the Mail and
Business Store that my husband now owns. If you have not seen it, it
is a great space!

I am looking for at least two dads who would like to sit down with me
and discuss being the dads who facilitate this class. I will have a
skeleton curriculum but want to get your input as to more than the
bones- some things you feel comfortable sharing- and some things you
feel strongly about including.

My thought is the class fee would be $25 of which you will be paid $20
per dad attending. That fee would be split between the two dads
teaching the class. So thiis is not a huge money maker- if you had six
dads attend- you would only make $60 each- and I suspect the class
time would be about an hour and a half to two hours. You would not be
doing this for the money- but to share your experience and help new
dads. You do not need to be a perfect dad- although i know many of you
are nearly that! What I desire is someone who is articulate and
willing to share honestly and openingly.

The curriculum bones would be:

1. What do you wish you had known before the labor began- being an
excellent support during labor and birth. What childbirth classes
don't prepare you for. Next time we will....

2. Forming the new famliy- what will change forever and what is only
for a short time? What changes were the most difficult and how to make
it easier for everyone?

3. The breastfeeding dad- how to help the mother baby dyad work- how
to support your wife to make this work.

4. Keeping your marriage or commitment strong when the new baby
arrives- how to make the adjustment smoother- sharing the
responsibility- when to have sex again and where. Keep the fires buring.

5. Spend Time with your new baby- how a dad can be involved with the
new baby- soothing, bathing, slinging, massaging, special times-
making opportunities to bond and sharing the care . Dad's are
different than moms- and can offer something only dad's can offer! You
can make a difference for a lifetime!

6. Fiinding your own personal time. How to juggle the baby and time
management.

7. Caring for the new mom- how to make sure she is doing okay. Dealing
with signs of postpartum depression.

8. Safety- car seats, pets at home, household safety.

9. Fundamentals of baby care- bathing, diapering, swaddling, calming a
fussy baby, sickness

10. Budgeting ideas for a new baby... how the heck can I afford this
new creature?

11. Earn the Right to Be Heard- what you have learned from the
"authorities" that helped you understand how babies learn- and what
worked to build a relationship beyond that initial bonding time. Is
there really one right way to do things? Women learn by talking
between themselves- now it is time for you to share with each other
what works for you!

12. Discipline with Love- beyond the baby time- how do you know when
to say no and how to set limits. Loving deeply, disciplining calmly.

13. Sharing and questions time.

please contact teresa at teresa@alaboroflove.org for details