Boot Camp for New Dads is uniquely structured to be led by men who went through the program themselves.  The “veteran” dads bring their young children, usually between 3 to 6 months old, to class so that “rookie” fathers in attendance can observe their interactions with the baby when the mother is not present.  The veterans demonstrate basic child care – such as burping, changing, swaddling, feeding, and comforting a crying baby – and share what they found to be the most important or challenging aspects of fatherhood that they learned through their own experiences. 

The Boot Camp model allows dads-to-be to voice their concerns to men who recently were in the same position and receive valuable instruction and encouragement that comes from firsthand experience.  Each Boot Camp class lasts three hours and is facilitated by two Master Coaches who received certification from the National Boot Camp Training Center in Denver, Colorado.  The first hour features discussion on a variety of topics including becoming a dad, forming a new family, and caring for new moms.

In the second hour, rookies divide into smaller groups to spend a block of time with different veterans.  The rotation provides a hands-on opportunity for the expecting dads to become comfortable with an infant as they take turns holding, changing, feeding, and providing other basic care for the babies in attendance while the veterans supervise the interactions. 

The class concludes with an hour-long session that allows the veteran dads to offer the rookies advice about any questions or concerns that have not been addressed to that point.  Since no women are present and the discussions do not leave the room, no topic is off-limits.  Important information, such as preventing shaken baby syndrome, identifying post-partum depression, car seat safety, introducing a baby to pets, and baby-proofing a home, also is covered in the final hour. 

Dads-to-be normally attend Boot Camp within a few months of the birth of their child.  Rookies who complete the class are eligible to return as a veteran for future programs. 

Research has shown that men are most interested in and receptive to support, education and positive changes in the months surrounding the birth of their child.  Boot Camp for New Dads is held within this timeframe to equip them with basic skills and confidence.  This father-to-father workshop allows men to receive guidance in a safe, confidential environment to address their concerns and fears.  After being surrounded by and connected with fathers who want to help them do their best, men leave the program with the realization that they are capable of rising to the challenges of fatherhood.

LMH offers Boot Camp for New Dads one Saturday a month, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, and it is held simultaneously with the Mother-baby Basics class so that both parents can attend on the same day if they wish.  For the complete schedule of dates or to register for any First Impressions class, visit www.LMHealth.org or call (220) 564-3388.