FIRST TIME PARENTING

They’re enjoying life with new babies

These new parents became fast friends while participating in “Life With Your New Baby.” Their group includes Dana Hatcliff with Maverick, Ashley Weyers with Kipten, Hunter Thorpe with Dakota, and Alan and Jaci Sinnett with Lilliana.

Bryan Human Resources partner Dana Hatcliff and her husband Nick welcomed their first child — son Maverick — in 2019. “There was an overwhelming excitement and joy with his arrival and a need to want to learn all that I could to prepare myself for situations, experiences and even emotions in the months that followed,” she says.

When anticipating how to best prepare for this new chapter of life and as a new mom, Dana learned about the “Life With Your New Baby ” pr ogram offer ed thr ough Bryan

Women’s Care Physicians, which is part of the Bryan Physician Network.

“I thought it would be a great way to gain additional knowledge, hear firsthand from subject matter experts and connect with other new parents,” Dana says.

New program for new parents “Life With Your New Baby” was launched in May 2019. It’s free and available to new and expectant mothers (and fathers) who are patients of Bryan Women’s Care Physicians. It includes four 60-minute classes, led by nurses from Bryan Women’s Care Physicians. Classes also feature guest speakers from dietitians and lactation consultants to therapists and yoga instructors. Topics range from coping skills and mood changes to breastfeeding, bonding with your baby, postpartum, self-care and diet. “We provide access to experts that can give these new parents advice and support in a small group environment,” says Bryan Physician Network operations director Sara Morris. “Dr. Alyssa Rutan, who’s also a certified

lactation consultant, offers an excellent session on br eastfeeding and the benefits for not only baby but also mom. We invite expectant mothers to attend this one especially.”

Patients also have the opportunity to attend a session lead by Jill Brandl, a psychiatric nurse practitioner who has a special interest in the care of women and postpartum moms.

How the program started The program was developed by Bryan Women’s Care Physicians, having been inspired by a nurse who was also navigating life as a new mom. “It’ s important for us to come alongside mothers to do more in helping them adjust to life with a new baby,” says Megan Pleskac, RN, of Bryan Women’s Care Physicians. “Through this program, we’re providing additional education, support and connection.”

Relying on her own experience plus knowledge of guideline changes from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists about 4th trimester care for mothers, Megan brought the idea to the

team, and “Life With Your New Baby” was born. seeing each other in person, connecting and allowing the babies to play,” says Dana.

Hidden benefits

Dana was one of several new parents to participate in the launch of the program. “There were so many things I loved about it,” she says. “I had a chance to hear from subject matter experts on things that we could expect, things we may have been experiencing currently and how to navigate those areas, topics that were relatable to us in this new chapter of life and strategies that could assist us, all while having our babies right there with us as we learned!”

Learning wasn’t the only outcome of Dana and the other new parents attending the class. They quickly formed friendships, which blossomed beyond the class.

“We exchanged cell phone numbers and have continued to get together, which has been an added benefit fr om attending the progr am,” she explains. Dana , Ashley Weyers, Hunter Thorpe, and Jaci and Alan Sinnett have kept in touch. “ We have been able to bounce ideas and questions off each other, share in the fun milestones that take place, in addition to

Continuing in 2020 The staff at Bryan W omen’s Car e Physicians is ecstatic about the results and looks forward to serving more new moms and dads in 2020 and beyond. “ Our team is so happy to see that this program is helping new parents,” says Megan. “We’re truly making a positive impact!” F rom Dana’s perspective, it’s been a win for her family and something she’s quick to share with other new and expectant parents. “I am thankful for the additional education offered thr ough this class and for the connections that have been created and would recommend this to any new parent,” she says.

Individuals who’ d like to learn more about the “Life With Your New Baby” program can pick up a flyer fr om the fr ont desk at Bryan Women’ s Care Physicians or talk with their nurse.

Patients also can email postpartum@bryanhealth.or g or call 402-483-8630. n