MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The room is filled with the nervous sounds of uncomfortable men and women, all learning how to bath a new baby and to properly change a diaper.
The New Parents Support Program aids Marines, sailors and their families with all of the nuances that perhaps did not come to mind when they first discovered there was going to be a new addition in the family.
"The NPSP is a primary prevention program that offers expectant parents and parents of newborn or young children the opportunity to learn new skills as parents and to improve on the skills they already have," said Debbie Malphrus, program manager, New Parent Support Program, who is also a licensed independent social worker and certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers.
The program was developed to help military families who are often away from the support of family members who could have helped with the pregnancy or the child's care.
Tri-Command military members who are expecting a child, or who have a child less than six years of age, are eligible to participate in the program.
The NPSP staff is comprised of social workers who have master's degrees and registered nurses that have put together a variety of courses all aimed at enlightening attendees about the proper ways to care for children.
Classes include Mom's Basic Training quarterly or Daddy's Baby Boot Camp, both of which are designed to teach the participants how to care for a newborn.
Some of the concepts covered in those classes are the proper way to bath a baby, how to administer infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation or even how to ensure the car seat is installed properly.
"We provide education on Lamaze techniques, which are taught by a certified childbirth educator, bathing and diapering, breastfeeding and nutrition, calming techniques, infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation, car seat safety, sudden infant death syndrome, post partum depression and more," said Malphrus. "During our classes, the dads are given the opportunity to wear the 'empathy belly,' which mimics a pregnancy, and hopefully increases their empathy for their wife. The classes are a great opportunity for new parents to learn basic infant care skills."
In addition to preparing the families for the arrival of a new baby, after delivery, the NPSP follows up with support classes and programs that provide support at home.
"Home visitation services are provided upon request of the parents," said Malphrus, who quickly added they can also meet at the NPSP office if desired. "We offer to come to the home, because often a new mother isn't able to come to the office shortly after delivery.
We provide whatever education and support the family requests."
Some areas that may be addressed during the post-birth period may be post partum care or assistance with breastfeeding, said Malphrus. The program also provides information resources available in the military and civilian communities.
"We often address the couple's communication and educate them on the impact a newborn makes on a young couple," Malphrus added. "For the families who have older children, we address age appropriate discipline techniques, potty training, childhood developmental issues, family stressors, deployment issues and stress reduction strategies.
Basically, any problem the family may be having, we try to help, and if we cannot, we make referrals to the appropriate agency or person."
Play morning, a once-a-week session offered at Parris Island and Laurel Bay, is another service the NPSP offers to new families.
This is a wonderful opportunity for young mothers and fathers to meet other families who have young children, said Malphrus.
"Play morning consists of structured play activities including craft time, book time, music time and snack time," she said. "Often young military mothers feel isolated, so this gives them a chance to get to know others who are having similar experiences."
For more information about programs offered, locations and times for the classes, please call the Parris Island New Parent Support Group at 228-3451.