'Boot camp' clues dads in to the highs, lows of being a new parent

Published: 2004-08-02

PHOENIX (CNS) -- Expectant dads in the Phoenix Diocese are toughening up in preparation for the bloodcurdling cries, dirty diapers, sleepless nights and infinite life changes their sons or daughters will bring. These men also are mentally preparing for the moments of irritability couples sometimes experience before, during and after their little bundle of joy arrives. "I think it really just sets you up to start planning for the kinds of things that you're going to need to think about," said Deagan Andrews, a graduate of a boot camp for new dads at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix. "It makes you think about how to deal with dividing things up with your wife and what you can do to help her, especially when she's the sole provider of food for the little one," he added in an interview with The Catholic Sun, newspaper of the Phoenix Diocese. Offered by hospitals throughout the country, the class equips dads with parenting skills and hands-on experience in feeding, burping and dealing with a fussy baby.

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