The new program will join first-time fathers with veteran dads to discuss parenting.

LEWISTON – Boot Camp for New Dads, a nonprofit program offered at more than 150 hospitals, clinics, schools and churches in 38 states, is now being offered through Advocates for Children. It is a unique program that brings “rookie” fathers-to-be together with “veteran” recent dads and their newborns.

“One of the challenges facing many new fathers is never having held or diapered a baby,” said Betsy Norcross Plourde, executive director, Advocates for Children. She added, “Boot Camp for New Dads provides a man-to-man format for new dads, under the guidance of experienced coaches.”

Men discuss issues such as “What do I do once this bundle of joy gets home?, How do I juggle long hours at work with my new responsibilities at home?, How do I handle parenting criticism from my mother-in-law?, Can I do anything to help my wife breast-feeding?, What will this all mean to my social life?, and What should I do if I lose it and am about to go beyond the stress point?”

The veterans also share their babies with the rookies for hands-on training and demonstrate how to hold, comfort, diaper, swaddle, relieve gas/colic and play with an infant. Coaches, facilitators chosen by the facility, keep the three-hour program focused, humorous and informational.

Advocates for Children will hold five sessions of Boot Camp in 2004. For more information and a schedule of the classes, contact Advocates for Children at 783-3990 or via e-mail at [email protected]. For information about more of the programs, visit the Web at www.advocatesforchildren.net.