INDIANAPOLIS — New mother Missy Deeter is looking forward to celebrating her first Christmas with her husband and their 6-month-old daughter, Penelope.
"We're excited for her to see the lights on the Christmas tree. We're going to take her to some of the Christmas lights around town. She's going to see Santa on Saturday," Missy said.
Everything in Missy's life is different now that she has a daughter.
She delivered Penelope when she was 45. Most of her friends have older children, and her own babysitting experiences were a long time ago.
"Everything, even since then, so much has changed," Missy said.
It's been even longer since her mother, Kendra Lewis, cared for a newborn.
"Nothing is the same as it was 46 years ago. I mean, the sleep thing is different. The food thing is different. What happens in the hospital, how all of that goes, is very different" Lewis said.
To make sure they were prepared and well-versed in best practices for a newborn, Missy and her mom signed up for grandparents class at Ascension St. Vincent. They attended virtually, so dad and grandpa-to-be could participate, too.
"It was nice because we could talk about what we were learning and not disturb anybody," Missy said.
At a childbirth class, Missy learned how to safely put a child to sleep, diet tips and how to detect an illness. Classes also address the changing roles in a family after the baby arrives.
"I think really the most important message out of the class was as a grandparent, you've already been a parent," Lewis said. "Now, it's your daughter or your daughter-in-law's time — you need to let them take the lead. And don't always say to them, 'Well, this is how I did it. And this is how you were raised.' It was good advice for me. It was just really very eye-opening. I appreciate it."
Here is a list of the sessions Ascension St. Vincent created to support a family when there is a baby on the way:
- GRANDparenting
- Newborn Care
- Meet Your Pelvic Floor
- Infant Massage
- Breastfeeding Basics
- Childbirth Preparation
- Childbirth Series - Lamaze
Nurse navigator Ashley Michael said expectant parents are noticeably relieved after attending a class and having the opportunity to ask questions.
"Each process really helps them feel more prepared, more confident, and research does show that it helps not only reduce and lower anxiety, but actually can decrease the amount of medical interventions necessary throughout your labor and throughout your pregnancy," Michael said.
Missy loves being a mother and marking milestones.
Penelope is now rolling over.
"She's growing so fast. We can't believe how much time is passing," Missy said.
If you or a friend has a baby on the way, Ascension St. Vincent is waiving the $25 fee for all of the mom support classes. To learn more about this month's Check Up 13 offer, click here.