Joint Base Charleston  Military and Family Support Center

The New Parent Support Program offers information, support and guidance to military families who are expecting a child or have a child 3 years old or younger. Services are provided free of charge to eligible families. Program staff provides support in the areas of pregnancy, labor and delivery, infant and toddler care and safety, growth and development, parenting and family relationships through home visits, classes, support groups and referrals to community services. New Parent Support Program staff understands the impact that military life can have on expectant and new families and assists families in coping with these special situations. Program services are tailored to each family's unique circumstances and can help with preparing for parenthood, parenting skills, understanding growth and development, couple communication and stress management.

New Parent Support Program services are provided by registered nurses, licensed social workers and parent educators.

Program services are available to military families with an expectant parent or with children 3 years of age or younger.

To get more information, contact your installation's Family Advocacy Program office. Find your installation on MilitaryINSTALLATIONS and select ‘Family Advocacy Program’ from the drop-down menu. You will find contact information specific to your installation on that page.

Our NPSP is here to help you with your transition into parenthood with a Family Advocacy Nurse who provides confidential assistance as well as home visits, hospital visits, telephone consultations and access to a video/book resource library. They also work with families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). We have two New Parent Programs, one on the Air Base and other on NWS. NPSP is located on the Air Base at 204 W. Hill Boulevard Building 1000 and can be contacted at 843-963-6799, DSN 312-673-6799. The NWS office is located in Building 786 on 1005 Jefferson and can be contacted at 843-764-7435, DSN 312-794-7435. Classes available are Prenatal, Infant/Child CPR, Baby Basics and Parenting. Ongoing classes are:

OB Orientation: Newly pregnant mothers receive briefings from the Health and Wellness Center, Tricare, Dental, Family Medicine, and New Parent support program with important information regarding their pregnancy.

Building Blocks for Baby: A class for couples at least 20 weeks pregnant that addresses the many questions about preparing for and taking care of an infant: planning for baby's arrival...what to purchase...preparing for fatherhood...safety issues...basic physical baby care, etc

Breastfeeding Basics: Join this class to learn about the unique bond of breastfeeding your newborn, along with the basics of breastfeeding and, yes, even the role of the father.

"Dads: The Basics" Class: This three session class is strictly for men-those whose partners are pregnant or who have recently become fathers- and is led by experienced fathers. During this class all aspects of pregnancy and early parenthood will be discussed, with the primary focus upon the father's role in helping his partner through pregnancy and caring for the newborn child

Infant and Child CPR: This class discusses how prevention of injuries and early CPR leads to a healthier outcome for infants & children. Basic home safety is also covered.
Contact New Parent Support for the most up to date classes and programs being offered
Some of the military resources NPSP works closely with are:

• Chaplain Services
• Navy and Marine Corp Relief Society
• Air Force Aid Society
• Child Development Center & Child Home Care Providers Program

Some of the community resources NPSP works closely with are:

• The American Red Cross
• Salvation Army
• Charleston area WIC Programs
• South Carolina Dept of Health's Baby Net Program
• Department of Social Services (DSS) and their division of Child Protection Services
• United Way Tri-County Community resource - 211 Program
• The Ruth Rhoden Craven Foundation for Postpartum Depression Support Groups
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC Children's Hospital) Angel Wings Support Program