Keesler 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.

The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) offers information, support and guidance to military families who are expecting a child and/or have children ages birth to three years of age. Services are provided free of charge to eligible families.

NPSP staff understands the stressful impact that military life can have on expectant and new families. Our services are tailored to each family's unique circumstances; we may assist with adaptation to military life, deployments and prolonged separations from family and friends, and assist new families in coping with these special and challenging situations. NPSP staff might also assist in preparation for parenthood, enhancing parenting skills, teaching infant growth and development, facilitating couple communication and promoting stress management. In addition, we can provide support in the areas of pregnancy, labor and delivery, newborn/infant/toddler care and safety, growth and development, and parenting/family relationships. Services are provided through home visits, classes, educational or support groups and referrals to community services.

Educational groups that are frequently attended by NPSP families are listed below:

Dads' 101: This is a four hour class for new or expecting dads only!! Taught by a seasoned dad, some of the topics covered are bonding with the new baby, basic baby skills (such as diapering, bathing, burping), what to do when a baby won't stop crying, and what changes to expect in the marital relationship. Dads love this class!

1-2-3 Magic!: This is a humorous look at discipline for kids ages 2-12. Parents are taught how to stop the two major contributing factors to inconsistent discipline, how to be consistent, and how to start managing difficult behaviors in their children.

Friends for Life: Based on the PREP model, this relationship enhancement group will improve a couple's relationship by teaching healthy communication skills, effective problem solving, firm boundaries, active listening, the art of forgiveness, and how to keep the fun alive!

Staff Qualifications

NPSP services are provided by a Masters level Registered Nurse and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

Eligibility Requirements

NPSP services are available to military families with an expectant mother and/or children.

How to Enroll

To enroll in NPSP, contact the Family Advocacy Office @228-376-3457