Boot Camp for New Dads

Boot Camp for New Dads is a hands-on, supportive workshop designed to help first-time dads feel more prepared and confident with their newborn. This nationally recognized program provides expectant fathers with practical advice and real talk from experienced dads who’ve been in their shoes.

Register now

What you’ll learn

The workshop is led by a trained coach and features veteran dads with their babies. Veteran dads will tell you how they made it through the first months of parenthood and resurfaced as confident, on-the-job fathers. Learn how to handle a baby, find out about issues you didn't know were important and how to blow off issues you thought were. 

Other topics may include:

• Changes in new mom
• Dealing with friends
• Feeding and changing
• Handling parents and in-laws
• How to calm a crying baby
• Introducing pets to baby
• Safety issues
• Working and being a dad
• Your relationship with mom
• Anything else on your mind

In this men-only environment, no question is stupid, and no topic is off limits.

Who should attend

Expecting first-time dads should attend 1 to 3 months before their baby’s due date. You don't have to be a patient of Emplify Health by Gundersen.

Upcoming sessions

Boot Camp for New Dads is held the second Saturday of each month from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Healthy Living Center in La Crosse

• Saturday, June 14
• Saturday, July 12
• Saturday, Aug. 9
• Saturday, Sept. 13
• Saturday, Oct. 11
• Saturday, Nov. 8
• Saturday, Dec. 13

How to register

Pre-registration is required using the online form. Each class is capped at 12 participants. If a class is full, the online registration form will say “sold out.” Please select a different date.

Cost is $40. The fee includes a one-month family membership to the YMCA, access to an online workbook and an invitation to a private online group for continued encouragement and support after the workshop. 

Scholarship funding is available through Gundersen Medical Foundation. For more information about the scholarship, email Brian Petry or call (608) 775-3692.