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Dads 101 attracts attention from The AP

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  A reporter with the Associated Press came out to base Aug. 1 to learn more about the Dads 101 class run by Family Advocacy.

Dads 101 is a five hour course, spread over two days; where expectant and new fathers learn about everything from changing diapers, what to do with a colicky baby, and how to swaddle children.

"Some of the fathers are afraid to make the swaddle snug around the baby. They feel like they might be cutting off the circulation," said Tech. Sgt. David Bellamy, a Dads 101 instructor. "But the more sung the swaddle; the babies feel safer and more comfortable."

Susanne Schafer, a part-time reporter with the AP, sat down with instructors and students of the Dads 101 class to discuss the class and the value of such a program.

Schafer said she heard about the Dads 101 class from the Air Force website. She added that there is a national group that is trying to battle the problem of shaken baby syndrome.

A mother herself, Schafer asked the fathers of Team Shaw about their experiences with the class and their first child. The main focus of the interviews though was trying to spread awareness of shaken baby syndrome.

Dads 101 watches a video entitled "Elijah's Story", a tragic true story about a 16-month-old baby who died due to complications from shaken baby syndrome. The half hour video interviews Elijah's father, who confessed to shaking Elijah; as well as Elijah's mother and grandparents.

For more information on the next Dads 101 class, contact family advocacy at 803-895-6201.