Posted: 6/10/2014
First-time fathers and fathers-to-be often wish their newborns came with instructions. The arrival of an infant brings all kinds of new tasks to learn and experiences to go through that at times can seem overwhelming. There are diapers to change, a crying baby to shush, and a new mom who’s also tackling new challenges of her own.
That’s why the Women & Family Education Department at Parkland Health & Hospital System is joining forces with the City of Dallas’ WIC Peer Dad group to present a special Father’s Day event designed to help first-time dads discover how to be a dependable father and partner to the new mom. And, they also will learn new techniques to help take care of baby and mom.
“Celebrating Fatherhood” is a one-day event scheduled to take place June 12 in the MacGregor W. Day Auditorium at Parkland Memorial Hospital. Attendees of the event, offered at no charge, can choose between two sessions, one from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second from 2 to 4 p.m. Sessions will be conducted in both English and Spanish
“We want to help men prepare for one of the most important roles of their lives – fatherhood,” said Carlos de Oliveira, Parkland chaplain and a facilitator for Parkland’s Daddy Boot Camp. “We want to answer concerns and questions men might have about becoming dependable fathers and parenting partners.”
Daddy Boot Camp is a monthly program that brings together veteran and rookie fathers to discuss parenting issues and concerns. He said some of the most common concerns new fathers have include dealing with stopping a baby’s crying spells and caring for a new mother who may have post-partum depression.
The Father’s Day celebration will include discussion and education on topics such as how to calm your baby using the Five S’s: swaddle, side position, shushing, swinging and sucking. They also will learn about the importance of skin-to-skin contact and safe sleeping positions.
Another topic will be about a dad’s role with breastfeeding, explaining the benefits of breastfeeding for babies and mothers. Fathers also will receive a variety of information to help them and their new family.
“A father plays a very important role not only in the development of a child, but also in providing support to the mother as she too adjusts to life with a new baby,” said Roberta Reed, RN, lactation consultant with the Women & Family Education Department.
The event organizers also have been mindful that June 12 is the start of this year’s FIFA World Cup tournament in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In addition to refreshments and door prizes, fathers taking part will be provided up-to-the minute reports on the Cup’s first match between Brazil and Croatia.
For more information call 214.590.6229.