👶 My Birth Journey at Walter Reed: From Loss to Healing and New Life
Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most profound and emotional journeys a family can take. For me, that journey began with heartbreak—I experienced a loss during my first pregnancy. It was a painful and life-altering experience, and I wasn’t sure how I would move forward.
When I became pregnant again, I knew I needed a place that could offer not only expert medical care but also compassion and understanding. That place was Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Maryland.
🏥 Mother and Infant Care Center (MICC)
Both of my daughters were born at WRNMMC through high-risk cesarean deliveries. The Mother and Infant Care Center (MICC) was the perfect environment—professional, warm, and deeply supportive. As one of the largest birthing centers in the Military Health System, the MICC delivers around 1,200 babies each year, including many high-risk cases like mine.
What made the experience so meaningful was the family-centered care. The staff involved my loved ones in every step, and I never felt alone.
MICC features:
Private, home-like rooms with birthing beds, full bathrooms, TVs, and pullout sofas
Nearby operating rooms for cesarean deliveries
24-hour visitation so my support system could be with me
Room service meals that made recovery a little more comfortable
📍 Learn more: Mother and Infant Care Center – WRNMMC
📞 MICC Main Line: (301) 295-4512
🤱 My Doula Experience: Emotional & Physical Support
One of the most empowering decisions I made was hiring a privately funded doula from Doula in Capitol Hill. She was by my side throughout labor and delivery, offering emotional reassurance, physical comfort, and advocacy—especially important during a high-risk birth after loss.
WRNMMC supports the presence of doulas, and my care team welcomed her as part of the birthing process. If you're considering a doula, I highly recommend discussing it with your provider early and ensuring your doula is familiar with hospital policies.
🕊️ Grief Support and Resources
After my loss, WRNMMC provided grief support and connected me with resources tailored to retired military spouses. The compassion I received during that time helped me begin to heal and prepare emotionally for future pregnancies.
Support included:
Referrals to mental health and chaplain services
Access to military family support groups
Guidance on navigating care as a retired spouse
If you’ve experienced loss, know that you’re not alone—and that WRNMMC has resources to help you through it.
🍼 NICU: Peace of Mind for New Parents
Although my daughters didn’t need NICU care, knowing that WRNMMC has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit gave me peace of mind. The NICU is equipped to care for premature and critically ill newborns with 24/7 support from specialized staff.
📍 NICU Info: NICU – WRNMMC
👨👩👧 Support Beyond the Delivery Room
WRNMMC’s New Parent Support Program (NPSP) was a lifeline. It connected me with parenting classes, breastfeeding support, and other military families going through the same journey.
📍 Learn more: NPSP – Navy MWR Bethesda
📞 NPSP Contact: (301) 319-4087
📧 Email: usn.bethesda.nsabethesdamd.list.NNMC-FFSC@mail.mil
📝 Tips from a WRNMMC Mom
Take the prenatal classes—they’re informative and reassuring.
Use the lactation consultants—they’re kind, patient, and knowledgeable.
Pack early—include your birth plan, comfy clothes, and snacks.
Ask questions—the staff is incredibly responsive and supportive.
Lean on your support system—WRNMMC makes it easy to include them.
Consider a doula—mine made a world of difference, especially after loss.
Seek grief support—it’s available and truly healing.
💬 Final Thoughts
My journey to motherhood wasn’t easy. It began with loss, followed by two high-risk pregnancies. But thanks to the care I received at Walter Reed—and the support of my doula, family, and medical team—I was able to welcome both of my daughters into the world with confidence and love.
If you're expecting and considering WRNMMC, I can say from experience: you and your baby will be in excellent hands.