Fairchild AFB  Military and Family Support Center

You may be expecting your first baby or busy with a toddler. That means you have your hands full, and may have questions. Thankfully, help is at hand. The New Parent Support Program is a free service for military parents.

The program focuses on one-on-one support through home visits. Parenting classes and playgroups may also be available at some locations. Staff members include nurses, social workers and home visitation specialists.

Learn more about the New Parent Support Program.

Topics include:

• Bonding
• Breastfeeding support
• Child safety
• Managing demands
• Nutrition
• Positive discipline
• Sleep management
• Support systems

The program’s home visitors understand the challenges of military life. They can share tools for successful parenting during PCS, deployment and more.

New Parent Support Program staff are child development professionals, including registered nurses, clinical social workers, or para-professionals trained in the delivery and practice of established home visiting models. 

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

Contact your Family Advocacy Program office or Military and Family Support Center.

Operation Stork

Operation Stork is a program that provides a free layette to all new military parents. Register at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, then when your baby is born, you may come and pick up an Operation Stork layette, which contains a handmade blanket/quilt and baby supplies.

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.

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, which costs $2, is held Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in the Fairchild AFB indoor pool.

The Water Babies 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.

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 FA Office 509-247-2687.