Change that diaper, maggot

Lindsay Sandham

When a person thinks of boot camp, what generally comes to mind is a

rigorous training course in which recruits learn to become soldiers.

Boot Camp for New Dads adds a whole new meaning to the term.

Developed in Irvine in 1990 by Greg Bishop, the now-national

program is designed to help expectant fathers overcome some of the

hurdles of parenthood.

Brad Bullard of Costa Mesa has been involved with the boot camp

for seven years.

He started as just anotherfather participating in the program

before the birth of his first son, and he now volunteers as a

facilitator leading the monthly sessions.

In the program, first-time fathers, called “rookies,” come in with

questions and concerns, along with veterans -- men who have already

gone through the program. Together, they discuss different ways to

deal with problems and situations that may arise.

“We just basically show them the ropes,” Bullard said.

“[The rookies] fill out an information card with all the pertinent

information, and then we invite them back. So, they come back, and

suddenly they’re the veterans.”

The sessions cover topics such as how to change a diaper, dealing

with the needs of the expectant mother, handling finances and sleep

deprivation.

“Basically, we stress being patient and committed,” Bullard said.

Boot Camp for New Dads executive director Debbie Sykes said the

organization is grateful for men like Bullard, who make up the boot

camp network of coaches and coordinators.

“Our continued success is a tribute to them,” she said.

Sykes also said she hopes the program will continue to grow until

it is a staple of childbirth education across the nation, leaving no

father behind in the adventure of fatherhood.

“It’s just a great program of men ... talking among themselves and

sharing their experiences,” Bullard said.

“There are so few programs for men, and these guys really do want

to be good fathers.

“It wasn’t that long ago that guys weren’t even allowed in the

delivery room.”

Bullard said the program tends to run itself, and that he and

facilitator partner Barry Fitzgerald are just there to get things

going and contribute to the discussion.

“It’s an incredible experience,” Bullard said.

“I love being a dad. I had a great life when I was single, and a

good marriage, but there’s just nothing like being a dad.”

* For more information on the Boot Camp for New Dads, call (949)

753-2403 or visit https://www.bcnd.org.