AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- New parents can have a lot of questions when welcoming a new baby into their lives.
Fortunately, the 31st Medical Group Family Advocacy office offers several programs to answer questions and help Team Aviano members’ transition into parenthood.
There are three main support options offered to expecting parents: Baby Basic Training class, Boot Camp for New Dads class and prenatal home visits.
The Baby Basic Training teaches students what they need to know from birth to the sixth week of life. Parents learn how to change a diaper, properly install a car seat as well as how to feed, comfort, swaddle and bathe infants.
Open to all expecting parents, the class is most often attended by those within three months of their due date.
New fathers can also attend a class just for them; Boot Camp for New Dads is a male only class taught by experienced fathers. It covers many of the same topics covered in Baby Basic Training but is geared toward preparing new fathers to be comfortable with taking care of a baby.
“It’s a great program for guys,” said Cynthia Cusimano, 31st Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy nurse. “Dads can ask questions they may not feel comfortable asking in front of a woman, but they can ask it point-blank to another guy.”
According to Cusimano, one of the biggest problems new parents face at Aviano Air Base is isolation.
“Usually our younger couples or those new to the military tend to live farther away, so these classes are very important,” said Cusimano.
Most couples attending the classes will deliver around the same time, so the classes provide them an opportunity to meet others going through a similar experience. Building a support network is a way to help decrease possible isolation.
Family Advocacy also offers prenatal home visits for expecting parents who are not able to attend classes.
Visits provide one-on-one counseling on the subjects taught in Baby Basic Training class and or any other concerns new parents may have. Families can receive home visits as soon as a woman becomes pregnant and up to the child’s third year of life.
“We basically educate members on everything from how to deal with morning sickness to the time when they are closer toward the third trimester when mom is feeling like she can’t do this another day,” said Cusimano.
The services are open to all active-duty members and their families. To learn more about the programs offered for expecting or new parents, contact Family Advocacy at DSN 632-5667.