When we’re pregnant, many of us turn to the Internet for advice. I am a stickler when it comes to using reputable online websites. I want to make sure what I am passing along is a solid source for military spouse pregnancy. What are the most reliable sites that give you the best support? Where can I find sources to make informed decisions about pregnancy, birth and postpartum care.
In the beginning, decide to have a healthy pregnancy.
I’ve heard the term “eating for two” however; I believe this is a myth. Consider what you are eating. A lot of processed foods, sugars, soda and caffeine could make for a rougher pregnancy than hoped for. You are growing a baby and everything you eat, baby gets as well. Research shows that adding more protein to your daily food intake could help ward off preeclampsia, high blood pressure, swelling, premature labor, and other not-so-good pregnancy issues.
1: Maintain good nutrition as recommended by the World Health Organization.
2: More Nutrition Research
Make informed decisions about your care.
Below are a few resources you can use to help you learn about medical procedures that can affect pregnancy:
3: Evidence Based Birth. Here you can find a lot of great and well-searched information regarding pregnancy, delivery and routine newborn care.
4: If you’re trying for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean), learn more at ICAN-Online.org
5: Vaginal or Cesarean Birth: What Is at Stake for Women and Babies? A Best Evidence Review.
6: Childbirth Connection provides you with information, tools and resources. While they don’t refer to military hospitals, there is still good information shared to encourage you to become an active member of your maternity care team and active participant in your care.
7: Connect with your hospital before you go in. Management for Pregnant and New Parents Program. This program is free and includes information about your hospital.
8: If you’re considering adding a doula to your team, you can start with the Military Birth Resource Network or other online listings such as Doula Match.
Find Postpartum support
Sometimes we need special resources to help us find specific support. Below are ones I like to pass along for quick referrals.
9: Kellymom is a great website providing evidence-based information on breastfeeding and parenting.
10: Breastfeeding in Combat Boots: Finding postpartum mental health resources may not be accessible at certain locations. Refer to your provider should you need more information about postpartum depressions.
11: Postpartum Support International offers online meetings for military moms
12: The VA offers outreach groups for postpartum support
13: The Military Birth Resource Network has chapters at duty stations around the world. They offer resource for pregnancy through postpartum. The MGCACC has a very active playgroup for moms in that community here: MBRN 4th Trimester Group
14: Postpartum Physical Health– if you have concerns for postpartum pelvic floor health and recovery, Tricare will cover being seen by a therapist.
15: If you do not have local busiensses you can utilize there are online programs such as The MUTU System.
Last but not least, understand your Insurance Coverage.
16: Tricare recently updated benefits. If you are considering a transfer to another location, knowing what status you are can help you better understand where you can be seen. Becoming pregnant is not considered a QLE (Qualifying Life Event).
Resources vary from duty station to duty station, my hope is for families to know they have options and resources to turn too wherever they’re located.
