Single Active-Duty Mothers Baby Boot Camp meets the challenges of single parenthood

Parenting is a tough vocation. Doing it seemingly alone makes it that much more difficult. Add to that the stress that life in the Marine Corps can bring and one might feel overwhelmed.

The Lejeune-New River New Parent Support Program (NPSP) seeks to provide assistance with the Single Active-Duty Mothers Baby Boot Camp. The class is held quarterly throughout the year at NPSP offices on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River.

“The curriculum is basically the same except the Single Active Duty Class has an additional focus on the development of support systems for mothers and their babies as they are parenting solo,” said Mary Caldwell, NPSP branch manager.

Topics covered at the Single Active Duty Mothers Baby Boot Camp include newborn appearance and care, infant growth and development, disciplinary training, safety education, proper nutrition and forming healthy relationships. Caldwell highlighted the added demands single mothers can expect with juggling parenting responsibilities and other roles.

“Solo parenting in itself is challenging; but the parent can provide excellent care and support for their infant and raise him/her in a healthy manner,” said Caldwell.

Caldwell encourages expectant single mothers to also make the following preparations:

• Having child care arranged during regular work hours and when they are on the range as well as before and past regular day care hours.

• Putting together a plan to put in place when their child is ill.

• Discussing with their commands what they will need to maintain a state of readiness.

• Building a strong support system in place for themselves as well as for her baby.

“Ask for help, seek out the available resources and don’t try to be super mom,” said Caldwell. “Single active-duty mothers are eligible for home visits before or after deliver until their child is five years of age. The professionals at the NPSP can provide education and support which includes infant massage training. The NPSP also follows an evidence based curriculum for education on growth and development of children, as well as parenting skills.”

For more information on the NPSP and available classes, call 449-9501.