Dads-to-be Get a Belly Full in TFRC Prenatal Course
February 2nd, 2009
Many future fathers wonder exactly what their partners are going through during pregnancy. Many aren’t aware of just how difficult it can be to move around, but dads-to-be taking part in the Tantramar Family Resource Centre and VON’s Healthy Baby and Me Prenatal Course get a pretty good idea, along with a lot of laughs from the moms-to-be. Dads get to try on the 30lb “Empathy Belly”, a special vest with a belly that’s filled with water and weights that simulate fetal movement and even put pressure on the bladder. As part of the course, dads are instructed to wear the belly for an hour while also picking things up off the floor, lying down, trying to tie their shoes, etc. When asked what he thought of the belly, one future dad, Nic McLellan, said, “I’m really glad I got to wear it. I now have a better appreciation for how difficult it will be for my wife to move around.” The Prenatal Course, taught by Maria DesRosches of VON Moncton for the TFRC covers a wide range of topics such as labour and delivery, pain management techniques, feeding, mom and baby care, infant CPR, infant development, as well as presentations by Talk with Me, and Service Canada on maternity leave benefits, and a baby shower. The course is free for expectant parents of all ages in Tantramar and is offered as needed throughout the year. This winter’s course runs currently until January 29th at the Sackville Hospital. For more information contact info@tantramarfamily.ca or call Maria DesRosches at 389-2229.
