Having a baby when you're a military spouse can be an exciting time. It can also be nerve-wracking, because you never know if the military member will have to deploy soon after. However, try not to dwell on that and focus on the good: your new baby has arrived!
There are some things that happen after a military baby is born.
1. Get a Tricare breast pump at no cost to you with 1 Natural Way. That's right, it only takes 5 simple steps that will take less than 5 minutes and your breast pump will be on the way to you. Curious about your breast pump selections? Well, they carry pumps from popular brands like Medela, Spectra, and Kiinde. I personally had a Medela pump, and I loved it.
If you need breast pump accessories, 1 Natural Way has those too! You can get breastmilk storage bags, accessories for the breast pump, plus breast shields. Ready to get started?
Click HERE and fill out your information.
2. Fathers get 10 days of paternity leave so they can help out. When my son was born, my husband to go back to work immediately, so I didn't have much help. I'm glad that paternity leave is a thing now!
3. Register your baby in DEERS within 90 days of birth if you are in the United States. If you're overseas, you have 120 days. This is how you get them enrolled with Tricare, the insurance of the military. My husband did this, but had to call me and be like, "Uh, how do you want to spell Natalie again? Was it I-E or two Es?"
4. You can have someone from the base stop by the house to make sure everything is going okay. I remember someone coming over soon after I had Natalie, and it was terribly awkward, because Natalie wouldn't stop crying. But the lady assured me everything would be okay, and gave me options for help if I needed it.
5. They start the adventure of being a military kid. My own kids have gotten to live in many different places, which I think is neat. Not everyone gets to be in this cool club, after all.
It can be a whirlwind having a baby when you're a military spouse. But remember all the programs out there that can help. You are never alone.
The military family is always there for you.
To learn more about 1 Natural Way, you can check them out at the following places:
I love this!!! I had such a good experience after E was born. The military community where we were at was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHad two babies in a military hospital! That was very different from what my civilian friends reported :)
ReplyDeleteAwe this is so interesting to learn about. I am happy that there are so many positives here.
ReplyDeleteWow, I thought having a baby was hard in general, let alone having a baby when your spouse is in the military. I am so happy that they have the paternity leave now!
ReplyDeleteSo grateful for those who are willing to leave their families to protect mine. Bless you all and thank you for all that you sacrifice. On the flip side...I'm also very grateful for paternity leave. What a blessing it is to have some help during those first few days.
ReplyDeleteI think these things are great for military babies! There should be even more things and I love that the dad gets leave to help out and bond with the new baby. Love this!!!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has been through this three times with her kids and they are there to help. Actually they are getting even more time off now to be home with mom and baby.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and her husband had there first child last year and they was in the Military and I wish I had these tips to share with them as they was away from home and didn't have any family to help them. During this time my son in law was going through Cancer treatments so Les was scared and overwhelmed and a year later they have been discharged from the Service and are home because of Toby's health although he is Cancer free.
ReplyDeleteMy step dad was in the military growing up and when he was growing up his dad was also in the military so I was able to understand his point of view and also see it on my own. My best friend's husband is also in the military and I know right now she is having a hard time since he is in active duty.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice that the military takes families and dads into consideration now. It is good to get the care and feeding a baby needs.
ReplyDeleteA big salute to all the military families. They not put themselves forth physically but also emotionally for the nation
ReplyDeleteWow, really interesting! You are lucky that you will never be alone as a military wife. I use Medela pump too, but I prefer to do that with my finger. It is more convenient, less pain.
ReplyDeleteI love that dads get paternity leave. That sure would have been helpful by my husband's job did not have it.
ReplyDeleteI guess regardless of the situation, having a reliable breast pump if you're planning to breastfeed is very important. There are way too many brands in the market and it becomes confusing which one to choose. Most women I know rely on second hand items because things can get expensive.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful article. Loved this kind of post, it remind us to give our very best to our love ones all the time.
ReplyDeleteHaving a baby is stressful as it is, I can only imagine how much more stressful it can be when it's a military baby! I am so glad there is extra support available, anything that can make life even a little easier for those who serve our country is so important.
ReplyDeleteI am AF brat but both my parents are long deceased. I never asked my mom what happened after I was born. I am not even sure if my father was deployed after I was born. My mom was lucky because she had family around to help. I can't imagine what life as military wife and baby are like now but thank you for providing a look into the life now. And I am so happy paternity leave is in place!!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many wonderful programs are out there. I can imagine that there is a lot of adjusting. It's nice to know that the support is there.
ReplyDeleteI have been there and as you've mentioned, it's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. I didn't have a support system when I had mine but survived it.
ReplyDeleteSo much respect for everything you and your family do as a military family! I'm so glad you have great programs to help you out after birth! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to know there are available options now that makes it easier. Hats off to all military families!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to know that the military is so supportive of the military wives! This was a great and informative post!
ReplyDeleteThe breast pump thing is amazing, and having someone come over to help/check on you is awesome. We should all have that! Really seems like the military is ahead of the curve.
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar at all with the military and how it works when you have a baby. Not one, my partner is not either and we are not based in the US... yet. But I guess it is always good information to know!
ReplyDeleteThis is some handy information. Is it nice that they have someone to check on you right after birth. Perfect if you have any concerns or questions. I am sure this helps put Moms at ease.
ReplyDeleteI love that the military does all of this for their families! It's truly deserved!
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ReplyDeleteGetting back to basics with breastfeeding and dads being home is a wonderful initiative and Babushka applauds the military and all the families in it.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been really challenging being the only one to attend to your child's needs while your husband's away. And one thing that kept you sane is your being.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely have such a good support system in the military. I know that moving around a lot has got to be both trying and exciting.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that there were home visits performed to check on you. This is such an awesome service during such a stressful time for some.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about all of this when children are born into military families. I had no idea about the home visits, that so awesome. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad they take care of you, your baby and spouse in the military when you have a baby. That's awesome that your husband was able to take 10 days of paternity leave to spend time and help with you and the baby.
ReplyDeleteThe military really sounds like it supports it's moms and families and I think that is wonderful!! I have also heard that TriCare has amazing coverage!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing insight on military families! I had no idea military takes Dad's into consideration that is such a wonderful thing!
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