Balancing military duties with the responsibilities of raising a new child can pose significant challenges for parents. Military personnel who are new parents encounter distinct hurdles as they strive to juggle parenting commitments alongside their military service. To alleviate the pressure associated with transitioning into parenthood, Fort Cavazos provides an array of resources tailored to support Soldiers who are either new parents or soon-to-be parents.
The New Parent Support Program at Fort Cavazos offers various classes, including practical parenting sessions, training on preventing shaken baby syndrome, and guidance on infant care. However, the most valuable aspect of this program is the home visitation service. Julie Rapp, a registered nurse involved in the program, emphasized the importance of these visits in providing essential guidance, support, and education to pregnant service members or spouses with young children. The home visits occur bi-weekly and cover a wide range of topics, including education, breastfeeding assistance from lactation consultants, and reassurance for parents regarding their caregiving efforts.
For those uncomfortable with home visits, workshops are available to help new parents feel more comfortable. The infant care class, for instance, equips expectant or new parents with fundamental skills such as diaper changing, bathing, umbilical cord care, burping techniques, establishing feeding routines, and soothing a crying baby. Practical experience is provided through classes conducted by registered nurses, allowing parents to gain hands-on knowledge in caring for their infants.
Spc. Megan Saucedo, a new mother from the 89th Military Police Brigade, shared her positive experience with the New Parent Support Program, particularly highlighting the practicality of the infant care class in preparing her and her husband for parenthood. The program’s focus on practical skills, such as using dolls for hands-on practice, proved invaluable in teaching essential caregiving techniques and understanding infant behaviors.
Moreover, the program includes a boot camp for new or expectant fathers, aiming to help them comprehend their roles and responsibilities as parents. This interactive class offers hands-on experience in adapting to infant care, covering topics like pregnancy introduction, lifestyle adjustments, effective caregiving strategies, basic baby care, bonding techniques, shaken baby prevention, and coping mechanisms for soothing crying infants.
Recognizing the significance of paternal involvement, the program ensures that fathers are not overlooked in discussions about childcare responsibilities. By offering resources specifically tailored to fathers, the New Parent Support Program strives to support both parents effectively in their journey through parenthood.
Fort Cavazos also extends support through the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutritional program, which is income-based for service members. This program provides a payment card for purchasing essential foods based on the child’s age and nutritional requirements, along with classes for children experiencing feeding difficulties.
Additionally, Fort Cavazos offers breastfeeding classes for mothers, either in-person or online, covering topics like breastfeeding positions, feeding schedules, and recognizing hunger cues in babies. The WIC program further provides guidance for mothers on breastfeeding, pumping techniques, and creating pumping schedules, emphasizing the importance of these resources for eligible families with children aged 0-5.
The Centering Pregnancy program at Fort Cavazos caters to expecting mothers and fathers seeking community support and educational opportunities during pregnancy and postpartum. This evidence-based program involves 10 two-hour sessions where participants engage in activities, discussions on pregnancy and childbirth, and share experiences within a group setting. The program’s group dynamic has been shown to reduce preterm deliveries significantly, fostering a supportive environment for expecting mothers to connect, learn, and receive professional insights from guest speakers.
Building a supportive network of family and friends throughout pregnancy can greatly alleviate the challenges associated with this transformative journey. The Centering Pregnancy program emphasizes the importance of community connection and support, particularly in the military context, offering a space for pregnant individuals, whether Soldiers or spouses, to bond with others in similar life stages and receive vital emotional and medical support.
In conclusion, navigating military responsibilities alongside the demands of parenthood is a common reality for many in the armed forces. Fort Cavazos strives to address these challenges by offering an array of accessible programs, including the New Parent Support Program, the WIC program, and the Centering Pregnancy program, all aimed at supporting military families embarking on the journey of parenthood.