thedrifter
06-18-04, 07:27 AM
Expecting parents attend baby boot camp
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 200461714535
Story by Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan —(June 5, 2004) -- Marine Corps recruit training puts recruits through three months of rigorous basics to help prepare them for the demanding lifestyle of the Corps. Like the transformation from civilian to Marine, child rearing can be a challenge for first-time parents, but there is help.
Marine Corps Community Services offers Mom’s Basic Training and Daddy’s Baby Boot Camp parenting preparation classes here the first Friday of every month to help service members and dependents who are feeling the pressures of parenthood.
The program is a comprehensive, day-long class, held at the Personal Services Center, that offers its students basic instruction on caring for a newborn child, said Lt. Cmdr. Joan Poochon, a registered nurse with the Pediatric Clinic, U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa.
“The most important skill that parents receive from this program is being able to take care of the baby without family support,” Poochon said. “Being in Okinawa, we are a little unique in (that) you don’t have the family support group of aunts, uncles, mothers and grandparents.”
Poochon stressed that it’s very important for parents to receive some basic information before the birth of their child.
“Babies don’t come with instructions, and if you go through this class it gives you the basic tools to deal with the baby -- from what the baby looks like as a newborn to giving a baby a bath,” Poochon said.
Theresa E. Reid, a class instructor and registered nurse, said she could relate to the students in the class from her past experiences in raising her own children.
“People go through quite a large adjustment when becoming a parent for the first time; it’s a large strain on your marriage,” said Reid. “A couple goes from being happily married to having to share responsibility for another human life who needs constant care and attention.
“Sometimes new parents have difficulties because they don’t necessarily feel like parents yet. They are still just a married couple, but when a baby is added they instantly become a family,” Reid said.
The class begins in the morning with lectures on topics such as postpartum stress, as well as the father’s role in parenting. The second part of the day is filled with demonstrations and hands-on learning with dolls, and involves different scenarios, such as what to do when the baby is teething, not eating or developing a rash.
“(This class) gave me a view of what to expect. It prepares you for every aspect of the pregnancy, especially for us because this is our first child,” said Cpl. Marques Farmer, safety advisor for Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, whose wife Nicole is scheduled to give birth in August.
Reid suggests parents prepare for the birthing process by pre-packing a bag for the trip to the hospital. The mother needs a change or two of clothing. She also recommends pertinent items, such as diapers, clothes for the baby, a camera with film and batteries, and baby formula, should go in the bag. Preparation is the key says Reid.
The class helps prepare its students by teaching basic skills like how to bundle, bathe, dress, feed and soothe a child, and precautions that should be taken to keep children safe. Planning and budgeting for babies is also covered in the class.
“A planned baby is always a better idea than an unplanned (one) because of financial reasons,” Reid said.
By completing Mommy’s Basic Training and Daddy’s Baby Boot Camp, students are one step closer to becoming the award-winning parents that every child deserves. For more information on how to enroll in the course, contact the New Parent Support Program at 645-0396.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200461714850/$file/Release0288-2004-03low.jpg
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Theresa E. Reid demonstrates the safe way to give a baby a bath to students of the Mom’s Basic Training and Daddy’s Baby Boot Camp class June 4. Reid is a registered nurse and instructor for the class, which is held the first Friday of every month at the Personal Services Center on Camp Foster. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/4FF8E32572E6DAD885256EB6001FA3A0?opendocument
Ellie
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 200461714535
Story by Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan —(June 5, 2004) -- Marine Corps recruit training puts recruits through three months of rigorous basics to help prepare them for the demanding lifestyle of the Corps. Like the transformation from civilian to Marine, child rearing can be a challenge for first-time parents, but there is help.
Marine Corps Community Services offers Mom’s Basic Training and Daddy’s Baby Boot Camp parenting preparation classes here the first Friday of every month to help service members and dependents who are feeling the pressures of parenthood.
The program is a comprehensive, day-long class, held at the Personal Services Center, that offers its students basic instruction on caring for a newborn child, said Lt. Cmdr. Joan Poochon, a registered nurse with the Pediatric Clinic, U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa.
“The most important skill that parents receive from this program is being able to take care of the baby without family support,” Poochon said. “Being in Okinawa, we are a little unique in (that) you don’t have the family support group of aunts, uncles, mothers and grandparents.”
Poochon stressed that it’s very important for parents to receive some basic information before the birth of their child.
“Babies don’t come with instructions, and if you go through this class it gives you the basic tools to deal with the baby -- from what the baby looks like as a newborn to giving a baby a bath,” Poochon said.
Theresa E. Reid, a class instructor and registered nurse, said she could relate to the students in the class from her past experiences in raising her own children.
“People go through quite a large adjustment when becoming a parent for the first time; it’s a large strain on your marriage,” said Reid. “A couple goes from being happily married to having to share responsibility for another human life who needs constant care and attention.
“Sometimes new parents have difficulties because they don’t necessarily feel like parents yet. They are still just a married couple, but when a baby is added they instantly become a family,” Reid said.
The class begins in the morning with lectures on topics such as postpartum stress, as well as the father’s role in parenting. The second part of the day is filled with demonstrations and hands-on learning with dolls, and involves different scenarios, such as what to do when the baby is teething, not eating or developing a rash.
“(This class) gave me a view of what to expect. It prepares you for every aspect of the pregnancy, especially for us because this is our first child,” said Cpl. Marques Farmer, safety advisor for Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, whose wife Nicole is scheduled to give birth in August.
Reid suggests parents prepare for the birthing process by pre-packing a bag for the trip to the hospital. The mother needs a change or two of clothing. She also recommends pertinent items, such as diapers, clothes for the baby, a camera with film and batteries, and baby formula, should go in the bag. Preparation is the key says Reid.
The class helps prepare its students by teaching basic skills like how to bundle, bathe, dress, feed and soothe a child, and precautions that should be taken to keep children safe. Planning and budgeting for babies is also covered in the class.
“A planned baby is always a better idea than an unplanned (one) because of financial reasons,” Reid said.
By completing Mommy’s Basic Training and Daddy’s Baby Boot Camp, students are one step closer to becoming the award-winning parents that every child deserves. For more information on how to enroll in the course, contact the New Parent Support Program at 645-0396.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200461714850/$file/Release0288-2004-03low.jpg
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Theresa E. Reid demonstrates the safe way to give a baby a bath to students of the Mom’s Basic Training and Daddy’s Baby Boot Camp class June 4. Reid is a registered nurse and instructor for the class, which is held the first Friday of every month at the Personal Services Center on Camp Foster. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Martin R. Harris
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/4FF8E32572E6DAD885256EB6001FA3A0?opendocument
Ellie