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Family Birth Center
‘Starting Together’ Classes
The birth of a child, perhaps the most meaningful of all experiences in a parent's life, is often a confusing and sometimes frightening for siblings. Siblings of the newborn may have a difficult time understanding why ‘Mommy and Daddy want a new baby’ and often exhibit their uncertainties through otherwise inappropriate behavior. Awareness of your older children's concerns is the first step to alleviating them.
In ‘Starting Together’ classes, families learn how to make their youngsters feel part of the preparations for the newborn. And siblings learn what to expect from their new brother or sister so they can be more accepting of the changes the new baby brings to their family. ‘Starting Together’ is a one and one-half hour class for the entire family. It has been created to help the families cope with the expected and unexpected changes a newborn brings to the home. Moms, dads, big brothers and big sisters all learn about their own feelings and each others' feelings and become closer through this program.
Each ‘Starting Together’ class features a tour of the Bronson Battle Creek Family Birth Center. This session explains Mom's hospital visit to youngsters and reassures the children that she will be returning home soon. They can see where Mom will stay after the baby is born and even visit the nursery to see where their new brother or sister will be. Hands-on experiences with life-size baby dolls help the youngsters develop the sensitivity needed to hold their new family member, and to help Mom and Dad occasionally. Parents are starting together too, and this program offers practical advice for introducing the new baby into the home environment. Our course manual provides handy take-home suggestions for helping all family members make a smooth transition to a welcoming home for the new baby.
Bronson Battle Creek registered nurses teach the class from the Obstetrical Department. Children 3 to 10 are encouraged to participate in the session with Mom and Dad, which is limited to 10 families. To register for ‘Starting Together’ contact Bronson Battle Creek at 245-8019.