New MacDill parenting program offering operator manuals for first-time parents Published Oct. 9, 2009 By Michele Rinearson Family Advocacy nurse MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. -- The thrill and excitement of a new baby is one of life's most wonderful, yet challenging experiences. New parents are faced with many challenges to include breastfeeding, newborn baby care and how to soothe a crying baby. If only babies came with operating manuals! The "New Parent Support Program" is a program that helps ease the transition into parenthood by providing education and support to military families during their pregnancy and birth, and throughout the first three years of childhood. The Family Advocacy Nurse provides home visits, telephone contacts, referrals to local resources and consultations with families. The program also includes a variety of classes on parenting including; Newborn Baby care, Toddler care, Infant Massage, Baby Sign Language and a Dad's 101 class. The New Parent Support Program hosts a playgroup on base Fridays at the Youth Center from 9:30 until 11a.m. Come out and meet other parents while bonding with your child through arts and crafts and free play. The New Parent Support Program is a voluntary program offered to all military branches of service. There are no fees required for your participation. The program is located within the Family Advocacy Program, 2nd floor, at the 6th Medical Group, MacDill AFB. For more information, contact Michele Rinearson, 6th MDG family advocacy nurse, at 827-9172.