New Parent Support Program educates, assists Hanscom parents Published July 29, 2010 By Erin Hennessy 66th Medical Squadron Family Advocacy HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The birth of a new baby is one of life's most wonderful and challenging experiences. The goal of the New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is to ease the transition by providing education and support to parents during pregnancy, birth and up through the first three years of childhood. Services are provided free of charge to eligible families. NPSP is available to families regardless of whether they live on or off the installation. NPSP staff provides support in the areas of pregnancy, labor and delivery, newborn, infant and toddler care, safety, growth and development, parenting and family relationships through home visits, classes and referrals to community services. The NPSP staff understands the impact that the military life can have on expectant and new families, including deployments and separation from family and friends, and will assist families to cope with these unique circumstances. NPSP provides parents the opportunity to have their questions answered by a knowledgeable staff in the field of maternal child health. NPSP is not just for first time parents. Adding a new baby to the family may present new challenges. The demands on caregivers are different with more than one child in the home. Even for those who have been raising a family for a few years, new phases of development present different challenges and questions. The New Parent Support Program offers a variety of classes including infant massage, baby sign language, DADS 101 and breastfeeding basics. To learn more about the New Parent Support Program or to request a home visit contact Erin Hennessy, 66th Medical Squadron Family Advocacy nurse, at (781) 377-9429.