First-time parents across the Mildura region will have access to extra support as they make the transition to life with a baby thanks to a new program on offer from Mildura Rural City Council.
Baby Makes 3 aims to help families sustain healthy, equitable and equal relationships after the birth of their baby.
A male and female facilitator deliver the program over three, weekly two-hour sessions, which both parents are encouraged to attend, along with their baby.
The first free session will be held from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday 26 April at the Child and Family Hub in Pine Avenue, Mildura.
Deputy Mayor Jason Modica encouraged local parents to consider registering for Baby Makes 3.
“Becoming a new parent is exciting, but it can be a very stressful time of life,” Cr Modica said.
“There are social norms around gender roles and lots of new expectations on families and relationships which can be quite overwhelming.”
Cr Modica said Baby Makes 3 would provide parents with an opportunity to explore topics such as dealing with conflict, communication, and each parent’s expectations on who does what within the family unit.
“Often new parents spend a lot of time discussing things like the pram, nappies and feeding their baby. However conversations around respectful relationships are equally as important.”
Baby Makes 3 is an evidenced-based, award-winning education and social change initiative for gender equality.
As a health promotion intervention, Baby Makes 3 shapes long-term attitudes and social norms about parenting by challenging outdated gendered expectations of becoming a parent. It is a practical way to address family violence before it begins and to address drivers for violence against women.
