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Being a parent is both highly rewarding and very challenging. While most people are familiar with the concept of parenting, for many parents-to-be, the reality of how little they truly understand about being a parent sets in when they’re expecting.
Babies aren’t born with an instruction manual, but you can prepare to be a parent with a parenting class. Getting support before you become a parent can make a big difference in your confidence and abilities when it comes to raising your baby.
The pediatricians at The Center for Advanced Pediatrics in Darien and Norwalk, Connecticut, offer accessible parenting classes for parents-to-be, including courses on baby basics, breastfeeding, and pregnancy.
Keep reading to learn more about parenting classes and the benefits of enrolling.
Are parenting classes necessary?
Parenting classes aren’t required before becoming a parent. But educating yourself about what to expect and how to handle the most common parenting situations is a good idea for many reasons.
Most parents want to do the best they can for their child. But babies don’t come with a handbook, and becoming a parent doesn’t mean you’re suddenly gifted with everything you need to know.
Parenting classes offer an opportunity to learn the basic principles of parenting and caring for a young child. By taking a class before your baby is born, you gain valuable skills that help you feel more confident in the early days of parenthood.
Some of the additional benefits you’ll enjoy by taking a parenting class before your baby is born include:
- Connecting with local pediatricians, nurses, and lactation consultants
- Meeting other parents-to-be who will have a baby around the same age as your child
- Building a support network of others facing the same parenting challenges
- Developing an awareness of key developmental stages and milestones
- Learning basic parenting skills and philosophies you can put into practice
When you have the tools and support you need to develop your parenting skills, your baby will enjoy the reward.
What can I learn in a parenting class?
Parenting classes are designed to help you feel more connected to your child and confident in the choices you make while raising them. The information you might learn in a parenting class depends on several factors, including where you take the class and the ages/groups the class is catered to.
For example, some organizations offer classes for expectant parents that focus on labor and delivery and the first few days of a newborn’s life. Other classes might focus on first-time parenting skills from diapering and lactation through solid foods, while some might be specially designed for adoptive parents seeking to foster deep connections with their child.
When selecting a parenting class, it’s a good idea to start by looking for courses designed for parents or parents-to-be who are at the same stage of parenting as you. It’s also important to evaluate the instructor’s credentials—especially when seeking courses on specific skills, such as lactation.
Learn about our parenting class services
If you’re ready to learn more about parenting, the parenting classes at The Center for Advanced Pediatrics offer a perfect place to start.
Our team of experienced nurse practitioners, pediatricians, and lactation consultants offers education for expecting and new parents on prenatal counseling, nutrition, sleep issues, breastfeeding, and more.
Our practice’s most popular classes are wholly complimentary. Baby Basics I connects expectant parents with established pediatricians, provides an overview of what to expect after delivery, and gives information about caring for a newborn baby. Baby Basics II covers breastfeeding in detail.
New classes are forming now. You can learn more about our parent classes by calling The Center for Advanced Pediatrics or scheduling an appointment online now.