Bringing up Baby

School of Nursing alumna runs community prenatal education program

A person demonstrating feeding a baby on a doll

This is a summary of a story by Jessica Covil-Manset on School of Nursing.

An alumna of Duke University School of Nursing, Jacqueline Lawdley now runs Duke Health's community prenatal education program, "Preparing for Baby.” She teaches the classes herself, along with a team of nurses and lactation consultants. “I love still having that patient relationship,” says Lawdley. In a Q&A, Lawdley shared what this program has to offer new and expecting parents.

Birth and baby basics

Three core classes are lecture format: Labor and Postpartum Care, C-Section and Postpartum Care, and Newborn Care. Newborn Care includes essential guidance around diapering, bathing, temperature control and safe sleep.

“These help parents understand what to expect at the hospital during their birth, and the basics of caring for a newborn.”

Accessible learning

The classes are offered in three ways: live in-person classes, live virtual classes, and recorded online classes, which are available in Spanish. The classes are free for anyone who asks for financial assistance.

“The recorded classes are good options for families who just can’t join live classes due to work schedules, caring for other children, etc.”

Hands-on skills workshops to build confidence

Workshops can further prepare caregivers for what’s ahead or address needs as they emerge. Returning-to-Work Pumping could be timed towards the end of parental leave; Family CPR when baby transitions to eating solids.

Support groups to help navigate the unexpected

Postpartum offerings include a weekly drop-in lactation support group called Baby Bistro, plus a new parents’ support group will be starting soon.

“I would tell families, ‘In the first few weeks, your hormones are going to take you on a roller-coaster ride,’” says Lawdley. “(My) personal experience just gave me a much deeper empathy and understanding of postpartum struggles. And, it reinforced how important these educational and support programs truly are.”

For the full story, go to School of Nursing.