NEST programs help improve parenting skills

Expectant parents enrolled in the Jefferson County NEST program are doing just that: they?re feathering their nests in anticipation of the arrival of their new babies. At the same time, they are acquiring the necessary skills to be effective parents.

Founded on the premise that prenatal care and education are the most important factors in ensuring the birth of a healthy baby, NEST is an incentive program geared toward encouraging earlier entry of pregnant mothers and new babies into the healthcare system and providing education and awareness to new and expectant parents. Formerly operated by Southeast Iowa Development Agency, the NEST Program is now sponsored by the Jefferson County ISU Extension Service. Lynne Johnson was recently hired as program coordinator.

Mothers and fathers enrolled in NEST prepare for the birth of their babies in two ways. First, they attend classes taught by Johnson. Lesson topics include how to cook nutritious and affordable meals, how to relieve stress healthy ways, how to budget time and money, the stages of child development, childhood diseases, and more.

?We discuss all aspects of child-rearing,? Johnson said. ?We?re learning in talking about the stages of development, for instance, that children aren?t really picking on us when they are toddlers. It?s just part of their development.?

Tuesday afternoon, participants were learning to prepare quick, tasty and nutritious snacks. Following recipes that Johnson adapted to reduce sugar content and increase the nutritious value, they made strawberry peach soy smoothies and fruit pizza. The traditional sugar cookie crust was made instead of granola.

?We focus a lot in class on making meals and snacks that are quick,? Johnson explained. ?Everybody is into that these days. People don?t do a lot of home cooking anymore.?

?I do!? one participant said. Taking part in the program for the second time, she said the cooking classes have been her favorite part of NEST. She said she recently made homemade chicken and noodles for her family.

?I?ve learned a lot,? she said.

?I have, too,? said new mom, Brittany Wickencamp, whose month-old daughter, Bridget, snoozed on her lap.

?We cover so many important topics,? Johnson said. ?We?ve talked about how to find the best buy by figuring out the price per ounce. We?ve talked about economical solutions to problems and how to substitute ingredients in recipes to make them healthier and more affordable.?

Recently, participants learned about shaken baby syndrome and also, what happens to the babies of moms who use drugs, alcohol and nicotine during pregnancy.

?You do not know what the effects will be when you do these things during pregnancy,? Johnson said. ?Each mother passes these things to her baby differently. One mother might drink throughout the pregnancy with no effects to the baby; another might binge drink once, and her baby will be harmed. It?s important that parents know these things.?

In addition to preparing for parenthood through education, program participants also get ready for the birth of their babies by purchasing diapers, bottles, shampoo, lotion, swings, strollers and other baby-related products with points they earn through program participation. Points are awarded to parents for attending prenatal and postpartum care visits, taking infants and toddlers for well-baby checkups in the first two years of life, getting infant immunizations and attending NEST and other parenting-related classes in the community.

Located at the Extension office, the NEST store is open on days NEST classes are in session. Each item available for purchase is given a point value based on the price of the item. Each point has a monetary value of 1 cent.

?The NEST Store is a wonderful resource for parents and their babies, and the earned points add up quickly,? said Johnson. ?It?s particularly good for mothers who don?t have a lot of [resources].?

Johnson said that in addition to the education they receive and the opportunity to acquire much-needed baby products, there are other perks for parents who participate in NEST.

?Another great thing about this is that it gives mothers the opportunity to share tips, questions and experiences,? she said. ?It?s also an opportunity for social connections to be made between new moms.?

Annie Jones, a recent newcomer to Jefferson County, said NEST has played an important part in her life and the life of her 2-year-old daughter, Sydney, as they try to get their bearings in a new community.

?I?m new here. I?ve only been coming to NEST about a month, but I?ve met people through this,? Jones said. ?I didn?t really know anyone before.?

NEST is available to all expectant parents and parents of children under age 5 who reside in Jefferson County. When their children turn 5, parents can continue to attend NEST classes, but no longer earn points.

Expectant and new parents who would like more information or wish to enroll in the NEST program should contact Johnson at the Extension office, 472-4166.