New Parent Support Program

The New Parent Support Program is a team made up of nurses, social workers and home visitation specialists who offer support and guidance by helping parents:

• Build strong, healthy bonds with their infants and toddlers that will lay the foundation for their social and emotional development
• Manage the demands of parenting, especially when impacted by deployments and other military operations
• Remain flexible and responsive when navigating daily life
• Build a strong support network
• Respond to infant and toddler behavior sensitively and be attuned to their developmental needs
• Find services in the local community in time of need

Learn more about the New Parent Support Program and contact your installation New Parent Support Program office to find out what’s available at your installation.

New Parent Support Program staff are child development professionals, including registered nurses, clinical social workers, and para-professionals trained in the delivery and practice of established home visiting models. The program is supervised and monitored at the installation level by the Family Advocacy program manager.

The program is available to military families who are expecting a baby or have children age 3 or younger. Marine Corps eligibility includes families with at least one child under 5.

Contact your installation New Parent Support Program office or Family Advocacy Program office.

Operation Stork

Operation Stork is a program that provides a free layette to all new military parents. First Sergeants are authorized to pick up  layettes, which contain a handmade blanket/quilt and baby supplies for their units.

Bundles for Babies

Bundles for Babies is a program for soon-to-be parents. Expecting parents are encouraged to attend. You can register at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. This two-hour program is offered quarterly. Topics include budgeting for baby, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, what to expect in the third trimester, breastfeeding and newborn care. Presenters are from on- and off-base agencies. Upon completion, you will leave with a bundle for the new baby provided by the Air Force Aid Society. This program is sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society, yet open to active duty of all branches of service assigned to Fairchild AFB. Call the A&FRC to sign up for a class at 509-247-2246.

Parenting Classes

Classes offered include New Parent Support Program Obstetrics Orientation, Third Trimester Class (breastfeeding/newborn class), Dads the Basics (for expectant, first-time fathers), 1-2-3 Magic and Love and Logic parenting classes. Contact the Family Advocacy Office at 509-247-2687.

Community Health Nurse

The community health nurse is a nurse for families that are pregnant and/or with children ages 3 years and younger. They provide home visits, on- or off-base, as well as office visits. Get answers to pregnancy, newborn care, breast feeding and nutrition, child growth/development, calming baby, ages and stages, parenting skills, positive guidance or any questions to do with being new parents or help for young children. Contact the nurse at 509-247-3249.

Water Babies/Prenatal Aerobics

The Water Babies class is held at the Fairchild AFB indoor pool. This class facilitates fine and gross motor skills, bonding, brain development and social support for infants and toddlers 8 weeks old through 3 years old. A Little Swimmer Diaper is required. Please call 509-247-2242 for more information.

Prenatal Water Aerobics Class is for pregnant mothers wanting benefits for mom and baby, weightlessness while exercising, help with reduction of pain and decreased edema.

Contact the nurse 509-247-3249 or Family Advocacy Office 509-247-2687.