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.

The New Parent Support Program 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. For more information, contact the NPSP at 813-827-9172 or DSN 312-651-9172.

New Parent Support Outreach

This program includes services for all of the military branches and families who are pregnant and for those who have a child under age 3 years. A registered nurse can provide the following services:  home/office visits; play activities; parenting issues, pregnancy questions; community resources; dealing with "terrific twos;" normal infant and toddler behavior; information on growth and development; nutrition - feeding yourself and your child. These are no-cost, confidential, supportive services. Call the Family Advocacy Nurse at the Family Advocacy Clinic at 813-827-9172 or DSN 312-968-382-9172 for more information. 

Becoming a Parent

This class helps expectant families learn about having a healthy pregnancy.  Participants will learn about the importance of prenatal care, healthy eating, exercise and emotions.

Baby Basics

This class prepares you for your newborn by learning the best ways to diaper, swaddle and soothe your baby.  Life-like dolls, videos and discussion help you fell more at ease with your new “Bundle of Joy”!

Breastfeeding Basics

This class covers the basics of breastfeeding.  Participants will learn proper latching, positioning and receive answers to common breastfeeding questions.

Birth With confidence

This class helps expectant families build confidence to prepare for birth.  This interactive Lamaze class will include stages of labor, positions to help with labor and comfort measures

Bundles for Babies (at M&FRC)

Bundles for Babies is a program for soon to be or recent parents. The 4-hour program is offered every other month and discusses the changes at home associated with having children. Topics include nutrition, new parents information, financial education, diapering options, WIC program and a nurse presentation. This program is courtesy of the Air Force Aid Society.

Child Care for PCS Program

Report to your Military and Family Readiness Center  with a copy of your orders. Child care is available through the Air Force Aid Society, if you are within 60 days of arrival. 20 hours per child is offered through the Home Day Care system. Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity!

Give Parents a Break Program

This program offers Child Care for families with deployed sponsors or families under stress. Referrals are made by base agencies and First Sergeants/Commanders. This program is funded by Air Force Aid and is offered once a month, for up to 4 hours, alternating morning and afternoon hours. Parents are able to take the time to handle personal business, grocery shopping, etc. with a peace of mind that their young ones are being well taken care of.

Mothers of Preschoolers

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) connect with other military moms, fun, crafts, plus yummy breakfast, and learn practical mothering ideas. Mothers enjoy all this while your children play and learn in their very own "Moppets" classes. This is a monthly event -(second Thursday) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the base chapel. Call 813-828-3621 to register.

For more information about the MacDill New Parent Support Program, click here.