👶 New Parent Support at Walter Reed: A Lifeline for Military Families
After welcoming our daughter at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, we were introduced to an incredible resource for new parents: the New Parent Support Home Visitation Program, offered through the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). As a retired military family, this program provided us with personalized support, guidance, and reassurance during the early days of parenthood.
🏡 Our Experience with Nurse Donohue
One of the most comforting aspects of the program was our regular visits from Nurse Donohue, a registered nurse with NMCRS. She came to our home to check our daughter’s weight, answer questions, and offer practical parenting advice. Her presence was calming and empowering—especially as we navigated the challenges of caring for a newborn.
💡 Tips We Learned from the Program
Here are just a few of the valuable insights Nurse Donohue shared with us:
Bonding with Baby: Gentle techniques to strengthen emotional connection.
Child-Proofing Your Home: Safety tips for every stage of development.
Understanding Developmental Milestones: What to expect and how to support growth.
Promoting Growth and Development: Activities and routines that nurture learning.
Balancing Care: Strategies for managing self-care while caring for a newborn.
Coping with Stress: Tools to handle the emotional ups and downs of parenting.
Nurturing Children: Building a loving and responsive environment.
Everyday Challenges: Answers to common parenting questions.
Local Resources: Referrals to services and programs for young families.
🧑⚕️ About the Visiting Nurse Program
The NMCRS Visiting Nurse Program has supported Navy and Marine Corps families since 1922. Nurses provide health education, baby weight checks, breastfeeding support, and referrals to local resources—all in the comfort of your home
📍 Learn more: Visiting Nurse Program – NMCRS
📧 Email: visitingnurses@nmcrs.org
📍 Bethesda Office Contact Info
If you're in the Bethesda area, you can reach out to the local NMCRS office for more information or to enroll in the program:
Address: 9045 Beale Rd, Bldg 11, Room 118, Bethesda, MD 20889
Phone: (301) 295-1207
🤱 Additional Support Through Navy MWR Bethesda
The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) also offers:
Parenting classes and infant care workshops
Breastfeeding instruction and support
Baby playgroups and infant massage classes
Breast pump loan program
Lactation stations for nursing mothers returning to work
📍 Learn more: New Parent Support Program – Navy MWR Bethesda
💬 Final Thoughts
The New Parent Support Home Visitation Program was a lifeline for our family. As a retired military spouse, I felt seen, supported, and empowered thanks to Nurse Donohue and the NMCRS team. If you're a new or expecting parent in the Navy or Marine Corps community, I highly recommend connecting with this program—it truly makes a difference.
Have you participated in the New Parent Support Program? Share your story or tips in the comments below!