An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

April is Month of the Military Child

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Throughout April, military children are honored during the Month of the Military Child. The newest military children are supported by the New Parent Support Program, which is sponsored by the Family Advocacy Program.

The New Parent Support Program is a voluntary program where nurses can assist new parents with adjusting to their new roles as parents.

"The best part is that the New Parent Support Program is a home visitation program," said Liz Adams, 375th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Nurse. "The nurses can provide all these services in the home environment."

Benefits of the program include, but are not limited to, breast and bottle feeding education, in-home relationship therapy, sleep and awake patterns, how to soothe crying or colicky babies, self-care for new moms, education, skills training, and strategies to meet the demands of infants and young children.

Among the education available to new parents is training on how to avoid shaken baby syndrome.

"The Air Force is taking measures to ensure all new parents are educated on the prevention of shaken baby syndrome," said Adams. "The nurses partner with the Airman & Family Readiness Center to present 'Baby Basics' at the Bundles for Babies events."

During "Baby Basics," parents are taught to put their baby in a safe place, such as their crib, and walk away if they get frustrated. The baby will not get hurt from crying and the parent can cool down.

New parents, or those with children under the age of three, are encouraged to reach out to Family Advocacy, said Deb Rhoda, 375th MDOS Family Advocacy Nurse.

"Becoming a new parent is a stressful, significant life event in itself," said Rhoda. "The nurses can offer support in many areas and ease the stress of such an event. They provide the tools and information to help parents become the best they can be."

Both nurses agreed that the New Parent Support Program plays a large part in supporting the mission of Team Scott.

Offering support to the family helps the active duty member stay focused on the mission, while at home or abroad, they said.

For example, they have helped active duty breastfeeding mothers prepare for deployment after the baby is six months old. They also offer support to the parent who stays behind while the active duty member is deployed, on temporary duty, or on a remote assignment.

The nurses agreed that working with babies and their families, as well as making a difference in the lives of children, are the best aspects of the New Parent Support Program.

New parents are usually enrolled in the program during their pregnancy or at their first pediatrics visit. Those interested in enrolling in the New Parent Support Program can contact Adams or Rhoda at 256-7203.

Adams and Rhoda expressed their love for their job, saying "this is the best job ever. We have an opportunity to give back to our military families who have sacrificed so much for us--and we get to play with the babies."