MINOT AIR FORCE BASE – To help expecting fathers build confidence and prepare for the realities of parenthood, Minot Air Force Base offers Dads 101, a hands on class designed for military members and spouses who are preparing to welcome a new baby. Led by experienced fathers, the course provides practical knowledge, open discussion and real world advice on everything from newborn care to supporting a partner through the postpartum period.

During a recent session, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Corey Coster, 5th Operations Group first sergeant and father of three, guided participants through lessons designed to help new dads navigate the challenges and joys of fatherhood.

“I believe programs like Dads 101 are essential because they give our airmen the opportunity to learn skills and information that can make a meaningful difference as they prepare for fatherhood,” said Coster.

According to Coster, many first time dads enter this new chapter with little understanding of what to expect. Coster believes this class helps provide insight into the challenges and responsibilities that come with becoming a parent, while also helping them set realistic expectations. By equipping fathers with knowledge and practical tools, they’re better prepared to support their spouses, care for their children and build a strong foundation for their family’s future.

The class combined discussion with hands on practice, allowing participants to learn and practice essential parenting skills before their babies arrive. Attendees learned how to properly hold a newborn, safely swaddle a baby and change diapers using infant mannequins. The course also covered safe sleep practices, feeding basics and strategies for responding to a crying infant.

One topic that resonated with participants was the Period of PURPLE Crying, a normal developmental phase during which healthy babies may cry for extended periods without an obvious reason. Understanding this phase can help parents manage stress, maintain patience and reduce the risk of frustration-driven reactions.

For Airman 1st Class Henry Dotson, 5th Security Forces Squadron, learning topics like PURPLE crying made a lasting impact. He believes one of the biggest challenges as a new father will be learning patience, staying calm and understanding that sometimes the best thing one can do is simply be there for the child and provide comfort until the moment passes.

“I’m the type of person who likes to identify a problem and fix it,” said Dotson. “Understanding that sometimes a baby may cry even when all of their needs have been met was eye opening.”

Beyond newborn care, the course emphasized the important role fathers play in supporting their partners after childbirth. Discussions focused on recognizing signs of postpartum depression, helping with household responsibilities, ensuring mothers get adequate rest and providing emotional support during a significant life transition.

Military spouse Jonatan Yepes, an expecting father and participant in the course, said the class helped answer questions he didn’t know he had.

“I came in thinking I needed to learn how to hold a baby and change diapers,” said Yepes. “But I learned so much more about what my wife will be going through after birth and how I can support her. It gave me confidence and helped me realize that being a good dad starts long before the baby arrives.”

Coster encouraged participants to remember that fatherhood is not about perfection, but about being present and willing to learn.

The class aims to help new dads begin their journey into fatherhood prepared for whatever comes next.