Duke's Teer House plans classes for new dads, new moms, more

New Tools for New Dads is a new program where men can talk about baby care and more. Find out more about this program and others offered by Duke Medicine.

Posted 1:24 a.m. Feb 17, 2012 — Updated 1:24 a.m. Feb 17, 2012

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

Duke Medicine, Go Ask Mom's sponsor, has some programs and events coming up, including a new class for dads.

Here's what's on the schedule:

12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., most Mondays, Motherhood: The New Reality Show. Bring the baby, pack a lunch and join other new moms to brainstorm tips on infant care and surviving motherhood. We will discuss feeding, developmental milestones, offer suggestions for transitioning back to work and share resources for staying at home full-time. Classes are facilitated by Duke pediatrician/resident and lactation consultant/educator.
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., fourth Wednesday of each month, New Tools for New Dads. For new dads (and soon to be dads) to get together and discuss their new roles and routines. Men can talk about baby care, surviving alone time with the baby, maintaining communication and intimacy with partner, balancing relatives' demands with new families needs, and balancing work and family. A male pediatrician is on hand to help answer your questions, facilitate discussion, and join in the fun. New dads are encouraged to bring their baby with them, but no moms or toddlers in this group.
2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 19, The Dog and Baby Connection. Led by Jennifer Shryock, certified dog behavior consultant. Get positive and practical dog and baby/toddler friendly solutions to help increase safety and fun.
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., March 26, Peanut Allergies in Children and Adults. Led by Dr. Brian Vickery. Discover new treatment approaches to peanut allergies including information on clinical trials.
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., April 12, Little Talking Hands: Sign Language and Your Baby. Learn how using American Sign Language with your baby can help reduce frustration and tantrums, build language skills and enter your baby's world. This class describes when to get started and introduces 10 basic signs. Led by Jessica Kelly, a certified infant sign language instructor.

As an aside, I highly recommend new parents try sign language with their babies. Both of my daughters knew a few signs by around nine or ten months, including milk, more and all done. I truly felt like it cut down on tantrums because they could clearly express what they wanted.

For more information about all of these programs, go to the events calendar on DukeHealth.org.

Registration is required either online at www.dukehealth.org or call 1-888-ASK-DUKE (1-888-275-3853). Teer House is a comprehensive educational resource within the Department of Clinical Education and Professional Development for Duke Medicine. The Teer House is at 4019 North Roxboro St. in Durham.

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