You have every book and magazine article on what to expect when your new baby arrives. A few relatives have provided some valuable words of wisdom regarding newborn care, too. However, you’re still very apprehensive about how you’re actually going to deliver this new life and what will really happen when your bundle of joy enters the world. Your questions are endless: How am I going to survive the birthing process? What are my options to help with the pain? Will I be able to successfully feed my baby? When is it reasonable for a baby to sleep through the night? What happens if my baby gets sick? Will I know how to soothe and console my crying infant? How will I be able to take care of baby and still do the laundry, cook dinner, and have a little time for myself? Will my husband and I ever be able to go out again?
If you would like these questions and others discussed and answered by someone who has years of experience with infants, sign up for Sung Star Academy’s newest program called, “Baby Basic Classes for Expecting Parents.” Kellie Schmitt, a registered nurse at Sung Star Academy in Toms River, will conduct the four-week session which begins on June 22. The brand-new class is geared for first-time moms and dads who are looking for some valuable information during this exciting time of parenthood. The classes are not formal, so expectant moms can come dressed in comfortable clothes or bring whatever else they may need (such as a support pillow) to make the class a more enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
Schmitt hopes to educate new parents during this program by showing them real-life techniques and strategies about caring for infants.
“Being a new parent is a very overwhelming experience,” says Schmitt. “You read all about it in a book, but you don’t know what to expect when it’s your own child; you feel helpless. Knowing as much as you can to help you and your child is beneficial.”
The first class, titled, “The Birthing Experience” will provide useful information about the labor and delivery process, including what to expect if a caesarian-section is required. Options for pain management will also be discussed. Questions will be answered regarding who is allowed in the delivery room, the father’s role and what is expected of him as his wife’s labor coach, and the recovery process after the birth. During this two-hour class, Schmitt will show a film called, “The Stages of Labor” to give both parents an idea of what exactly will take place in the delivery room.
The second class, called “Bringing Home Baby” will help parents learn about proper newborn care. Even with years training, Schmitt says everything changes when it’s your own child and you’re alone with an inconsolable, crying infant.
“I’m an experienced nurse, but when I first brought home my baby, I didn’t know the difference between a hunger cry or a cry that meant the baby was in pain,” says Schmitt. “It’s very scary and overwhelming at the beginning and this class will help parents learn how to care for their newborn. Some fathers have never even held a baby, so this is good, hands-on practice so they can be prepared. We’ll also discuss how to properly diaper and swaddle a baby, crib safety, and which products to buy.”
In the third class, Schmitt will discuss how to bond with baby and the importance of developing a strong and reliable support system of caregivers. The first few weeks and months can be extremely overwhelming, so it’s important for parents to enlist the help of loved ones whom they trust to help out whenever needed. For example, maybe a grandparent or caregiver can take care of baby while mom or dad takes a much needed nap. Or maybe someone could go shopping or run a few errands for the family. It’s critical for the parents to receive assistance during this period of adjustment. Schmitt will also discuss how to combat the “baby blues” which many new moms experience during the first few weeks of parenthood. In addition, survival strategies will be discussed such as sleeping when the baby sleeps or making easy, stress-free dinners in the crock pot. The main goals of this class are to make the parents’ lives easier by devising coping mechanisms and developing a loving and trustworthy support system of caregivers.
The last class will discuss when it’s necessary to contact the doctor with medical concerns and issues. Schmitt will go over the symptoms of reflux, which affects many newborns and how to help infants overcome colic.
“Acid Reflux is a common problem with babies,” says Schmitt. “We will go over what parents can do to help their babies to relieve some of the symptoms such as elevating the crib or keeping baby upright for thirty minutes after a feeding.”
However, even with all of the ideas and tips to help make baby feel better, Schmitt will tell parents that they should always feel comfortable to call the child’s pediatrician with any concerns or questions.
“I always tell parents not to hesitate to call the doctor, even if it’s in the middle of the night,” says Schmitt. “That’s what they are there for. Parents should never feel embarrassed about calling the doctor.”
At the end of the four-week program, parents will receive a basket of baby goodies to use upon baby’s arrival. Also, if a family decides to register a child for any of Sung Star Academy’s future classes, the school will automatically waive the registration fee. If this program sounds like something you and your spouse would find beneficial, contact the school at 732-341-7500, or visit sungstaracademy.com for more information.
