AFRC class gives expectant parents bundles of knowledge

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley J. Woolridge
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth moms and dads expecting a new arrival were welcomed at the Airman and Family Readiness Center for a morning of tips and tricks at "Bundles for Babies," Dec. 5.

The class aims to educate first-time and seasoned parents about the different areas of preparation for a new baby, both before and after it's born, and provide them with a few of the necessities they will need along the way.

Held on the first Monday of every other month, "Bundles for Babies" is divided into different segments with themes like financial planning, diet and exercise, relationship adjustments, childcare and counseling options. Each attendee is given a bundle for each child they are expecting with several necessities for new babies put together by the Air Force Aid Society.

Daphne Perez, AFRC community readiness consultant, spoke about several things parents should keep in mind when budgeting for an addition to the family.

"You need to start planning your finances for the baby now," Perez said. "Once that new baby comes home, that's going to be your key focus. You don't want your finances to start bottoming at the same time."

Staff Sgt. Karleigh Moss, 28th Comptroller Squadron financial analyst, came to the class to get ready for her first child. She said the information shared at the meeting was just what she needed.

"I heard about it in OB (obstetrician) orientation and it was highly recommend by my superintendent," Moss said. "The budget part was my favorite because they talked about stuff I hadn't thought about - daycare expenses and diapers - stuff that you know is common but you really don't think about when you're wrapped up in having a baby."

Staff Sgt. Crystal Frazier, 28th Medical Operations Squadron Health and Wellness Center nutritionist and one of the class instructors, focused on what foods pregnant mothers should avoid and which ones they ought to consume, as well as exercise guidelines.

"Good nutrition gives you energy and strength throughout your pregnancy and through delivery," Frazier explained.

Aside from preparing for the length of their pregnancy and the first few years of their baby's life, parents were also encouraged to plan for the future.

"It gave me more to think about," Moss said. "As far as the wedding and that kind of thing - you're planning the nursery and you don't think that far ahead."

In addition to different parenting styles, military and family life counseling was also discussed at the conclusion of the class, in the hopes that the growing families represented would continue to thrive.

Moss is grateful to the speakers who shared their knowledge and expertise with her and the other parents, adding that she learned about childcare options for her daughter she wasn't previously aware of. She thinks every new mom should experience the class.

"I think it's important to know the resources available on base and to be able to meet with new moms and be social," Moss explained. "I think that everyone should come, especially if you're expecting a new baby. There's a lot of information you may not know about."

For more information, or to register for the next iteration of "Bundles for Babies," call the AFRC at (605) 385-4663.