[blparent] Resources to learn hands-on about baby care?

[Sharon Howerton]

Arielle, as the instructor for the Hadley Preparation course, I will tell
you that I've had many individuals take the course who are not pregnant. The
course is quite long and gives a lot of information about pregnancy and the
changes a woman experiences as well as the growth and development of the
fetus. It might help you to know about and understand some of the things
your family and friends talk about and are experiencing. I think getting a
doll unless you have one and borrowing a diaper and outfit could be great
ways to practice. It won't be like a wiggly baby but is something. One thing
we talk about and that is discussed in a book published by APH for blind
parents is that sighted parents and friends have concerns and worries, too.
So the short answer is that you are welcome to enroll in our Preparation
course and ask any questions you might have as I review assignments. You are
welcome to contact me directly at my home email
shrnhow at gmail.com
Sharon Howerton    

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Arielle
Silverman via blparent
Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2015 12:38 AM
To: blparent at nfbnet.org
Cc: Arielle Silverman
Subject: [blparent] Resources to learn hands-on about baby care?

Hi all,
As you may know, I'm not a parent, but I've been on this list for a while in
order to learn about nonvisual techniques for childcare since that's an area
where I am very inexperienced. So recently, a few close friends and
relatives of mine have told me they're pregnant and expecting to give birth
by the end of the year. I really want to get some practical skills and
confidence with baby care before their babies are born. I've never changed a
diaper, bathed or dressed a baby, or even carried a baby any distance (I've
just held them in my arms or on my lap). I'm also totally clueless about how
visual games with young infants, like Peekaboo, work. I didn't grow up
around babies and wasn't particularly drawn to childcare so I never learned
these skills. But the moms-to-be in my life are women I really care about
and I want to be there to help them out when they need it and I want to
connect with their babies without constantly worrying I'm going to do
something wrong and accidentally hurt them. So, I was just curious what you
would suggest so I can get some hands-on practice.
Would the Hadley preparation course be helpful for someone who's not
actually expecting her own child but just wants to learn these basic skills?
I have also considered practicing with a diaper and a doll (though I'm not
sure I want to buy a whole pack of diapers!) What else would you suggest? I
know the biggest way I can learn and gain confidence is just by jumping in
and spending time with babies, but I feel like I need to get a little more
basic knowledge first, and I also know that my exhausted friends probably
won't have the patience to teach me from the beginning when their babies are
born. Thanks for any help!
Arielle

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