Under a new initiative, sailors, Marines, and their families in certain areas can now access specialized support for new mothers. This program connects them with registered nurses who can help with both physical and mental health challenges related to pregnancy and postpartum.
Military life can make motherhood particularly tough. Studies show that active-duty mothers face mental health issues during and after pregnancy at rates two to three times higher than their civilian counterparts. Factors like spouse deployments, lack of social support, and the pressures of military culture can elevate this risk. According to a 2022 Government Accountability Office report, around 41% of military mothers have received a mental health diagnosis or medication.
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has been supporting military families for 121 years. Their new program, called First Year Focus, aims to assist with common concerns such as infant feeding difficulties and maternal health issues like hypertension. “Feeding challenges can lead to stress for parents,” noted retired Navy Captain Rosemary Perdue, who directs the relief society’s Visiting Nurse Program. “We work closely with families to create tailored feeding plans and monitor their baby’s growth closely.”
This pilot program will initially focus on helping new moms in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and New England regions. By gathering data on what families need most, there are plans to expand the program to other areas.
One key benefit of this initiative is that nurses can provide support through virtual visits or in-person. This flexibility helps tackle the challenges many military families face when trying to access care, especially when schedules conflict. As Perdue explained, “Home visits allow for deeper conversations, helping us personalize care better than brief clinic visits.”
Nurses will not only monitor health indicators, such as blood pressure, but also educate mothers on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Symptoms of these conditions often overlap with stressors unique to military life, including relocation and extended deployments. By offering this support, the program aims to help mothers identify risks and seek assistance when needed.
This program is designed for all expectant Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their spouses, ensuring that care is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. Perdue emphasized the importance of inclusion, stating, “Maternal struggles affect individuals across all demographics. We aim for equitable care for all.”
For more information, visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
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