Tylers Blog:
I am about to be a first time dad in a few months and needless to say, I am a little nervous about all the changes that are about to take place. My wife and I have designed baby’s nursery, purchased all the main ticket items, filled a closet with tiny clothes, but there are still uncertainties.
During one of our visits to Sanford, my wife and I met with a birth designer. She informed us of numerous classes that they offered for first time parents, including “New Dad’s Playbook”. I was very excited to learn this course existed for obvious reasons.
Walking into the classroom was reassuring as there were 10 other first time dads sitting around the table. I’m not the only one! The instructor, Mike, was very welcoming and proved to by very informative to us first timers.
The class covered the basic topics such as diaper changing, bath time, feeding, car seats, supporting baby, and playtime. I found these topics useful but what I found most beneficial was just learning how our life is about to change from delivery day to 4 years down the road. Mike shared his personal experiences that brought things to my attention that I wouldn’t have thought of. How to be sympathetic to Mom during the birthing process and months to follow. When it’s appropriate to joke around and when it’s time to be serious. Now that baby is here, who is responsible for chores? Who’s turn is it to get up in the middle of the night?
After walking out of the class, I felt a sense of reassurance. I am not the only one about to go through this. Every dad is once a first time dad. Mike made me feel that while it will be stressful at times, it will one of the greatest experiences you will go through.
