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 is a prevention-based program within the Family Advocacy Program designed to provide families of children ages 0-3 years with home-based services. This is a voluntary program with a wide range of services provided by FAP staff to include counseling, education, guidance and support. A registered nurse provides developmental education as well as provide nursing guidance. A licensed clinical social worker is also available to discuss parenting concerns and normal stressors that come with parenting. Documentation is limited with this service and is completely voluntary. Misawa is a remote location for some families. NPSP wants to help provide the necessary support during a family's greatest time of need.

Additional Programs and Classes - Some available classes or appointments

Baby Care Basics – Through video, discussion and demonstration, parents will be introduced to infant care for the first six weeks of life. These skills will include how to: properly lift, hold and transfer a baby from one person to the next, diaper and dress a newborn, master the physical skills of bathing an infant, identify when your baby is sick and the correct measures to take as well as calm a crying baby. Contact FAP at DSN 315-226-2123.

Dads 101 – Taught for dads by dads, this class is designed to help fathers learn about pregnancy, plan for your baby's delivery, bond with your baby and understand the importance of your role as a new dad. Feeding, diapering and bathing of baby are practiced. The course also reviews the dos and don'ts for how to deal with colicky babies. Contact FAP at DSN 315-226-2123.

Breastfeeding Basics Class – Learn about reasons to choose breastfeeding, common positions for breastfeeding, proper latch on, how to identify problem situations early, choosing a breast pump, storage, collection and going back to work. There is also a Breastfeeding Support Group where breastfeeding mothers can get support from other mothers. Contact the 35^th Medical Group Obstetrics at DSN 315-226-6115.

Childbirth Class – A great opportunity to learn more about the labor process, provide coping skills for pain management, explain hospital procedures found at the base here in Misawa, listen to one of our nurse anesthetists and walk around the OB unit. This course can alleviate some of the fears that may come with the approaching due date. Contact the OB unit for dates and details at DSN 315-226-6150.

Bundles for Babies – Bundles for Babies is provided by the Military & Family Readiness Center. This program provides practical information for new parents as well as a bundle of new-baby items. Please call DSN 315-226-4735 to sign up.

Women Infants and Children Overseas (WICO) – This program is located in Building 653, Room 123. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The WICO program offers nutrition education and supplemental food services for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to 5 years. For more information, please contact the WICO program directly at DSN 315-226-5592/5596.

Other classes: In conjunction with the M&FRC, other parenting and marital classes are also offered. Call the Family Advocacy Office with questions, concerns or to sign up at DSN 315-226-2123. The Lending Library offers books, videos and DVDs related to pregnancy and parenting. These items are available for loan through the NPSP Nurse's Office.

Other parenting resources are available at the Mental Health clinic, M&FRC, the Child Development Center and the Youth Center.