Pilot program helps Navy and Marine families through a child’s first year | 7Salutes

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — A new pilot program is helping Navy and Marine families as they cope through the challenges that come with a new baby.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is rolling out a pilot program called ‘First Year Focus.’

The program pairs mothers with registered nurses who will support them and their babies throughout their pregnancy and a full year after childbirth.

“We have home visits and virtual visits and we collaborate with them on things such as feeding schedules, breast feeding or bottle feeding,” said the Director of Nursing for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Visiting Nurse Program, Captain Rosemary Perdue (Ret.)

These registered nurses also provide resources to help the mothers with their mental and emotional well-being.

“Often times, new mothers, they’re in a new area that they’re not familiar with. They’re away from their families, so they don’t know the resources in the area and our nurses are very versed in the areas, they know these bases,” said Perdue.

The experts also help the mother adjust to new experiences that arise during the child’s development- like when to feed, when to introduce solids, and when to help with sleep schedules.

“Evidence-based research shows that mothers are vulnerable up until a year after the child is born,” said Perdue.

Perdue says the mothers in this program will have the resources readily available as they navigate these new challenges.

“They always have a nurse in their back pocket to rely on and to call,” said Perdue.

This pilot program is only available to active-duty Navy and Marine families. They’re starting small, with only about five patients per nurse.

Right now its available in Portsmouth, VA, Groton, CT and in Illinois. Organizers say if its successful, they may expand. You can sign up here.

You can also call 800-654-8364 or email FirstYearFocus@nmcrs.org for more information.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a nonprofit military aid society founded in 1904. It helps active duty and retired sailors and family members with a variety of services.