Family Advocacy provides resources for new, experienced parents

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  As a way to help military members and their spouses make parenting an easier process, the 23rd Medical Group Family Advocacy clinic provides a variety of special resources.

They provide many classes for more experienced parents, but the clinic also provides many programs geared specifically toward those expecting or those with newborns.

"It's important we provide these services because adjusting to parenthood can be overwhelming and the military lifestyle adds additional stressors," said Cindy Henley, 23rd MDG Family Advocacy nurse. "Because you may be geographically separate from your family of origin, you don't have Grandma living down the street to help you out through the new experience of being a parent."

The resources available to new and expecting parents are bundled into the New Parent Support Program, which includes the lending library, various parenting classes, couples communication classes, home visits classes for fathers and "Great Expectations."

"Great Expectations is specifically for parents who have just found out they're expecting," said Ms. Henley. "A nurse discusses what to expect from the Pediatric Clinic once the baby is born.

"The dietician and exercise physiologist from the Health and Wellness Center also come over to discuss keeping fit and eating healthy during pregnancy," she added. "Lastly, a Tricare representative discusses getting the newborn enrolled in health care."

In addition to this class, the lending library provides many resources including books and DVDs on parenting, breastfeeding and communication skills. Home visits are another one of the resources provided by Family Advocacy.

"During the home visits, I visit with families to make sure they have access to the resources they need," said Ms. Henley. "This covers many things including financial resources and couples counseling.

"Going straight to the home is helpful because the new parent might be new to the area and unfamiliar with what we offer," she added.

This was the case for one Moody parent whose husband was deployed when she gave birth. Since she was overseas, she had no family nearby to help her through the pregnancy.
"Being a first-time parent, the Family Advocacy clinic there sent a registered nurse to my house a week after I came home from the hospital," said Katina Holthus, 822nd Base Defense Squadron secretary. "She gave me a ton of parenting information and answered all the questions I had about everything from breastfeeding to sudden infant death syndrome. She also left me her contact information in case I needed anything else."

Ms. Henley said the feedback received about this support system for new parents has been mostly positive.

"Most first-time parents are eager to learn as much as they can about their new role," she added. "The personal setting allows for them to open up and encourages a greater degree of trust. Families can always depend on us to provide or refer them toward what services they need."

The Family Advocacy clinic can be reached at 229-257-4805 and Ms. Henley can be reached at cynthia.henley@moody.af.mil.