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 located in the Fleet and Family Support Center at 245 Moreell Ave., Facility 30, Gulfport, MS 39501. The telephone number is 228-871-3000 or 1-800-342-3525.

The New Parent Support Program is a voluntary program, and you may self-refer or your medical provider may suggest the service. Each family is screened to determine the level of assistance needed. Any pregnant mother or any family with a child under 3 years old is qualified to use this service, which includes home visits, teaching skills to enhance parenting and presenting appropriate behavior knowledge to the parents. Once the services are in the home, older children can also participate.

This program is especially helpful to single parents and spouses of deployed service members. It offers solutions and suggestions for dealing with stress, isolation, depression, reunions and the everyday demands of life.

Baby Boot Camp

The provider offers individual training, a class called Baby Boot Camp, which covers basics on packing for hospital delivery, baby necessities, basic infant care, practice swaddling, practice diapering, breastfeeding consultation resource, burping, safe sleep, "PURPLE Crying," growth and development, where to find discounted or free baby necessities, etc.

Expecting Father

The Expecting Father class is specifically for partners or dads. The class covers information on supporting your pregnant partner through communication, proper nutrition, understanding changes in her body and discussing what changes the partner or father may begin to experience throughout the pregnancy.

Budgeting for Baby

The New Parent Support provider makes referrals to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society for the Budgeting for Baby class. NPS also provides information in order to attend classes at community hospitals that will provide medical-based education to new parents.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers the monthly Budgeting for Baby class to prepare families for the additional financial expenses expected with the arrival of a new baby. In addition to the financial education, the family receives a “Junior Seabag” packed full of baby needs. To obtain information about this class or to register, contact NMCRS at 228-871-2610.