New Dr. Dad program starts at Backus
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NORWICH – The Backus Hospital Birthing Center and Madonna Place are offering a new program to help men prepare for fatherhood.
The free program, Dr. Dad, is for four weeks, starting Feb. 5. Classes will be on Tuesdays, from 5-7 p.m., at Backus Hospital. To register, contact Judy Paro or Andrea Dameron at 425-3863.
Each week will focus on a different topic, such as the well child, the sick child, the injured child and the safe child – all to help fathers become the best dads they can be.
The program will be held again in June, August and October. The Backus Foundation is helping to fund the project.
Registered nurse Maureen Loughery, clinical director of the birthing center, said she hopes the program will increase awareness of child safety and infant care issues among new dads in the community.
“It can help the father bond with the infant and feel more included in early infant care,” she said. “Dads can feel free to ask questions in a supportive environment.”
David Hevey, case manager and group facilitator of the Fatherhood Initiative at Madonna Place, said there is a high demand for this type of program.
“We have a lot of fathers come to us and ask questions. There hasn’t been a program specifically geared to fathers,” he said. “We realize fathers have questions and want to learn how to properly care for their children.”
“We will help fathers identify their child’s temperament and behavior, as well as talk about nutrition, vaccinations, safety and more,” he said.
The curriculum is part of the National Fatherhood Initiative, which Madonna Place supports. The mission of Madonna Place is to provide services that strengthen families and help to prevent child abuse and neglect.