New Parent Support Program offers support for families

For parents who are expecting and those who already have children, the 86th Medical Group’s New Parent Support Program can offer information, support, and guidance. With a team of registered nurses, the NPSP provides assistance in the areas of pregnancy, labor and delivery, child care and safety, and more.

The program gives parents the opportunity to express concerns and ask questions about their infants and young children. Families learn new skills while improving old ones with resources the program teaches them.

The NPSP provides information and referrals, a support group for parents, as well as a library with books and DVDs. Tara Coenen, New Parent Support Program family advocacy nurse, says parents can attend classes such as prenatal and post-partum care, breast feeding, infant massage, and infant and toddler parenting.

“It really is a wonderful program,” said Coenen. “I feel very honored to help even one family.”

NPSP registered nurses work with parents to arrange home and office visits at times that work for families. Home visits give parents a chance to talk with a professional about their pregnancy and parenting issues in the comfort of their own homes.

Coenen explained that even if parents have already raised a child, they are still eligible to be a part of the NPSP. The program helps families adjust to new challenges often experienced as their family grows.

“You have to have compassion,” said Coenen. “I have been able to connect to these families more than I ever have before. It’s an honor to be let into someone’s space. It’s their home.”

Department of Defense ID card holders are eligible to be a part of the program.

For more information, call the New Parent Support Program at 06371-46-2098.