Family Birth Center
"Starting Together" Classes
The birth of a child, perhaps the most meaningful of all
experiences in a parent's life, is often a confusing and even
frightening time for siblings. Siblings of the newborn have
a difficult time understanding why "Mommy and Daddy want a
new baby" and often exhibit their uncertainties through otherwise
inappropriate behavior. Awareness of your older children's
concerns is the first step to alleviating them.
 In
"Starting Together" classes, families learn how to make their
youngsters feel part of the preparations for the newborn.
And siblings learn what to expect from their new brother or
sister so they can be more accepting of the changes the new
baby brings to their family. "Starting Together" is a one
and one-half hour class for the entire family. It has been
created to help the families cope with the expected and unexpected
changes a newborn brings to the home. Moms, dads, big brothers
and big sisters all learn about their own feelings and each
others' feelings and become closer through this program.
Each "Starting Together" class features a tour of the Family
Birth Center at BCHS. This session explains Mom's hospital
visit to youngsters and reassures the children that she will
be returning home soon. They can see where Mom will stay after
the baby is born and even visit the nursery to see where their
new brother or sister will be. Hands-on experiences with life-size
baby dolls help the youngsters develop the sensitivity needed
to hold their new family member, and to help Mom and Dad occasionally.
Parents are "Starting Together" too, and this program offers
practical advice for introducing the new baby into the home
environment. Our course manual provides handy take-home suggestions
for helping all family members make a smooth transition to
a welcoming home for the new baby. Attendance is welcomed
at your family's convenience, but we encourage three months
before the birth.
The class is taught by BCHS registered nurses from the Obstetrical
Department. Children 3-12 are encouraged to participate in
the session with Mom and Dad, which is limited to 10 families.
To register for "Starting Together" contact BCHS at 966-8586.
|
