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By Cortney Frazon for USBA
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Although it may seem like a daunting task, many military spouses bring little bundles of joy into this world while their service member is deployed. With everything going through your mind, here are 7 helpful tips to help you during your pregnancy, if you are expecting to give birth while your husband is deployed:
- Keep your partner informed about everything. Send emails, pictures, texts etc. Tell them about your experiences, things the doctors say, what other spouses have seen. Knowing what is going on can help your spouse feel less worried and make you feel better that they are part of the process.
- Organize your “Birth Day” support team way ahead of the due date. Who will take you to the hospital? Who will let the dog out when you stay the night? Who will take your kids to school if you need to stay a couple of days?
- Look into a medical Power of Attorney. Choose someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf in the unlikely event medical staff can’t get you or your partner’s consent. Visit your base’s legal assistance office for more information.
- Familiarize yourself with the local Red Cross Emergency Communication While it isn’t guaranteed that your spouse will be allowed to join you in the delivery room, you can still relay important information to them 24/7, such as your arrival at the hospital. Once you make the call they will ask to speak to an admitting doctor or nurse to verify. Make sure you have the following information ready:
- Service Member’s Full Name
- Rank or Rating
- Branch
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth
- Military Unit Address
- Information on Deployed Unit and Home Base Unit
- Besides the Red Cross Communication, determine your communication options when the big day arrives. Does your partner have a way to video chat with you? Will the hospital allow a camera in the room? If it comes down to sending emails or texts, consider giving this task to the person who will be accompanying you during the birth.
- Consider requesting a doula. Some doulas donate their time and services to military families while their partners are deployed. You can search for a Special Ops Doula here.
- Don’t forget your military family. Military spouses who have been through similar situations can offer unique insight and support. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask your Family Readiness Group for referrals.
When your service member gets home and holds your newborn for the first time, you can finally breathe. Be proud of your accomplishment as a military spouse! You just went through one of the hardest experiences of your lifetime. Luckily your partner is back home and ready to change diapers and read your baby to sleep.
Now that there is a new baby in the house, don’t forget to rethink your life insurance needs. It’s time to assess whether you have enough coverage and think about getting more. Don’t know where to start? Contact a Product Specialist at non-profit USBA for a no-obligation needs assessment. It only takes 10-15 minutes.
It’s also a good time to remember that one day in the future – near or distant – you and your spouse will be transitioning from the military to civilian life. Consider purchasing life insurance that covers both of you now and when you leave the service. Remember, SGLI coverage ends 120 days after separation. Talk to USBA about how their term and whole life products can fill in the gap and provide financial peace of mind for your family’s long term future. Call USBA with your questions at 1-877-221-6841 or get a no-obligation quote online. They are standing ready to serve you.
Since 1959 non-profit USBA has offered affordable life insurance to active duty, retired and veteran military families. They understand the unique challenges military families face. Underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company, USBA’s group life insurance plans are backed by one of the oldest and largest life insurance companies in America. Visit www.usba.com for more information.