Free new program focuses on mental well-being of military mothers, babies and their families

By
Ray Zardetto
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The Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society (NMCRS) announced this month a new program for expectant and new mothers called First Year Focus. The program will provide new mothers, their babies and their families with comprehensive care focused on mental well-being and physical health.

The program is free and is open to pregnant Navy and Marine Corps service members and eligible family members. The program, through the NMCRS’ Visiting Nurse service, will support mothers and their babies throughout their pregnancy and a full year after childbirth.

The program is being piloted in select locations in the Midwest, the Mid-Atlantic and New England.

“This unique program strongly considers the physical health of mothers but has a solid emphasis on their mental and emotional well-being as well,” said Capt. Rosemary Perdue, director of the Visiting Nurse Program at NMCRS. “Military life presents unique challenges. First Year Focus addresses those issues, while also helping to mitigate the overall risks of serious mental and physical health conditions.”

First Year Focus connects families to resources that can provide the care and support needed. Participants who enroll in the program will receive:

  • Personalized Support and Ongoing Care: expert guidance and support from a registered nurse throughout pregnancy and the baby’s first year;
  • Infant Feeding and Growth Monitoring: individualized support for breast and bottle feeding and development tracking with regular weight checks and growth assessments;
  • Customized Home or Virtual Visits: flexible visits tailored to meet the unique needs and busy schedules of expectant and new mothers in the Navy or Marine Corps;
  • Education and Resources: a copy of the book “Settling in with Baby,” plus connections to local resources and tools on pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting;
  • Collaboration with Other Providers: coordination of care with healthcare providers.
Cover of the book “Settling in With Baby” offered to all program participants.

First Year Focus also offers care and support for a full year after childbirth, providing ongoing guidance, health care and encouragement.

For more information about this free program, call 800-654-8364.