New Baby Class at BABS

Change brings growth, and new chapters in life bring on new ideas and new challenges.  It’s interesting how becoming a parent can change your perspective on just about anything.  I’m not a parent myself, but as a doula, I am constantly surrounded by new parents, new babies, and growing families.  I feel lucky to witness the transformation:  prenatally, as parents anticipate the birth of their newborn, and postnatally, as parents make life “work” with an additional family member.

Having a baby brings a change in lifestyle.  It’s a constant learning experience that provides us with endless opportunities to grow.  Your life before baby may have involved:  weekend getaways, plans with friends, Facebook, the HBO Sunday line-up (which always wins in my book), Pinterest crafts and recipes, etc.  Of course, you can still make time here and there for these activities after baby is born, but you’ll find that most of your everyday routine takes a backseat to baby’s needs once she arrives.  For example, as a new parent, you will be more focused on:

• How often your baby nurses

• How often your baby sleeps

• Where your baby sleeps

• How often your baby poops and what the poop looks like

…And the list goes on.  Yes, the topic of conversation makes a slight shift.  Your usual, everyday convos went from discussing Sookie Stackhouse’s crazy fairy powers to your baby’s dirty diapers.  I once heard a new dad say, “Who knew I’d be thinking about poop so much?” J

For all of you folks who have kids, fill in the blank:  Becoming a new parent was ______________.  Responses typically include exhilarating to all consuming and everything in between.  An unpaid, and often times, underestimated position—parenting is quite the job!  “The Fourth Trimester” is a huge adjustment period for parents, babies, and older siblings.  It takes great amount of patience, support, intuition, and experimentation.

At Bloomington Area Birth Services, we want to answer your questions, provide support, and help you better understand your newborn.  We have expanded our programming to include a new Baby Basics course:  a three-hour workshop for new and expectant parents, led by Lindsey Rupp, CD(DONA), CLS, PCD(DONA).  This class is designed for families not otherwise taking a childbirth education series or enrolled in a 1-day intensive. The cost of the class is based on income ($20-$60), and topics of discussion will include:

• The immediate postpartum period
• Car seat safety
• Baby’s homecoming
• Newborn characteristics
• Comforting baby
• Baby carriers
• Diaper changing, bathing, and basic baby care
• Safe sleep

It’s obvious- life will be different after your baby’s birth and a major adjustment period will ensue.  Let us at BABS help you prepare for “The Fourth Trimester” by providing you with the information you need to care for your little one.

If you are interested in signing up, please contact Amy, BABS Program Coordinator, by email at Amy@BloomingtonBirth.org or by phone (812-337-8121).  We look forward to seeing you there!

…And in the mean time, maybe think about hiring Ryan Gosling as your postpartum doula.

*Photo Credit:  http://homebirthgosling.tumblr.com/