Parents as Teachers to provide a class for expectant parents
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Expectant moms and dads have a new resource, thanks to the Parents as Teachers program.
The group will host a monthly learning series called "Bump to Baby" beginning on Thursday, May 8. The classes will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Mark Twain Elementary School, 705 S. 31st St., and coordinator Lauren Kelly said they will be a mixture of education, support and fun for families expecting a new addition.
"We hope that, in addition to delivering content, that families will come and interact with each other and really get to know to each other," Kelly said. "That way, these families will be able to sort of walk alongside each other throughout the duration of the pregnancy."
The district has connected with parenting experts in the area to offer these monthly classes as a six-month series. Topics include planning for birth and beyond, nutrition, safe sleeping tips and building bonds with the baby. Kelly said the classes are open to all ages of expecting parents in the community.
"We want the pregnant mom and whoever her support people are to come," Kelly said. "It doesn't matter the stage of their pregnancy, and the series will repeat throughout the year."
Because they are standalone topics, parents can attend any or all of the classes. Since the series will repeat, parents can always catch anything they missed during a previous series. The first series goes from May through October, and then topics will repeat all over again, beginning in November.
"We're going to mix some fun in, too," Kelly said. "It's not just going to be presentations. We're going to have games, activities and hands-on practice."
The dates for the topics are as follows:
May 8: Medical Matters
June 12: Planning for Birth and Beyond
July 10: Nutrition and Infant Feeding
Aug. 14: Safe Sleep and Stress Management
Sept. 11: Post-Delivery Care
Oct. 9: Building Bonds with Baby
No registration is required. Light snacks and a free book for each family will be provided. For more information, call 816-671-4018, or visit the website, parentsasteachers@sjsd.k12.mo.us.
