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Baby Boot Camp by Amy Hammond Hagberg

Jodi Skulley-March 25, 2009-Comments (1)

For most first-time mothers, the prospect of caring for a newborn produces serious apprehension. For unwed teenage mothers, that sense of anxiety is multiplied exponentially. To alleviate some of that stress, The Kentucky chapter of the Baptist Nursing Fellowship (KyBNF) developed an innovative program called Baby Boot Camp based on the devotional book of the same title by Rebecca Ingram Powell.

During the five-hour seminar, young mothers learn the fundamentals of infant care. Most of the participants have no idea how to care for a baby, so the first component of the program is baby basics. Under the tutelage of a professional nurse, students use lifelike dolls to learn how to hold, feed, burp, bathe, and diaper their own bundles of joy.

The second component of the program focuses on wellness. "We teach them that in order for them to be totally well, they have to be mentally well, spiritually well, and they have to be physically well. In order to take care of themselves and their babies, they have to be happy in life," says BNF President, Jessica Childers.

At the end of the day the new mother's get a big surprise ... a baby shower! Each of the girls is sent home with a laundry basket overflowing with donated baby supplies. The baskets are so heavy that the girls need help carrying them out. For many of them, the generosity of strangers is overwhelming.

The Baby Boot Camp program has been a wild success. To date the KyBNF has held a dozen camps and has reached more than 100 girls and their families. In response, they have just written a "How To" guide for use by other state organizations that are interested in adopting their ministry.

Amy Hammond Hagberg is an author, speaker, radio host, wife, and mother. Amy's award-winning work has been featured in publications all around the world. Learn more at www.amyhagberg.com.

Baby Boot Camp is a very special ministry to parents in need. What ministries are you involved in or know of that relate to parenting?