49th MDG’s New Parent Support Program assists Holloman families

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Becoming a parent can be a transformative experience, filled with intense emotions, from overwhelming joy to daunting anxiety, and the 49th Medical Group’s New Parent Support Program is here to assist in this transition.

The program was created to assist new families who are adapting to the military lifestyle while also ensuring their young ones are well cared for.

“Raising young children, especially out on a military base where sometimes it's a little more isolated, can present many challenges,” said Cassandra Sanchez, 49th MDG family advocacy nurse. “In order to ensure they feel right at home, we assist new parents with home visits, phone calls and office visits, ensuring we can meet whatever needs they require.”

This program not only assists parents before their child is born, but it also provides support for the first few years of their child’s life.

“We typically meet with new families during pregnancy until their child reaches the age of three years old,” said Sanchez. “In our program we discuss topics such as pregnancy, education, labor and delivery, postpartum, breastfeeding and even milestones in their children's lives.”

The New Parent Support Program places a strong emphasis on community and connection by fostering a network of support no matter how far away the family is.

“We are aware that a lot of Holloman's service members live relatively far from the base,” said Candi Hutchins, 49th MDG parent support nurse. “We've been to White Sands Missile Range, Las Cruces and El Paso in order to assist families.”

Empowering parents with the tools they need to nurture their child’s development allows service members here to focus on ensuring Holloman’s mission continues day-in and day-out.

“Most of the time, families don't have the extra support as if they lived near their hometown or near their family and friends,” said Sanchez. “We can provide both the education and support to partner with them during this big life change that they're experiencing, and honestly it's very rewarding.”