Are you an active-duty military Mom/Mom-to-Be? Or are you expecting a baby and also happen to be the rock star wife of a current service member? If that’s you, we here at WebBabyShower want to honor your service and sacrifice to our country by celebrating this most joyous occasion – the arrival of your new baby – with you. How? By helping you plan a military baby shower, plus showering you with resources for FREE goodies and services – just for you! One example is our FREE thank you cards!
We know it can be challenging to plan a baby shower while either you or your spouse are serving in the military, especially in instances when many miles separate you from cherished family and friends. We want to make the entire planning process easier for you, from start to finish. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of free (or cheap) services and resources to help you welcome your new little one to the world. Whether you’re looking for goodies for military families with new babies, are in need of medical supplies, or maybe seeking postpartum support, read on to find out more!
Who is a Military Mom?
Military moms include both active duty service members themselves or dependents of active service members, who are expecting moms or a new mom (no matter if it’s your first or fifth baby!). Our list of services below generally applies to both active duty moms, as well as military spouses, but we’ve noted when any service applies to active service members only, and not to dependents.
Our Goal with These Resources
Our goal with providing these resources is simple, we want to help each military mom have the best baby shower experience possible.
We understand the specific challenges and difficulties caused by the unique nature and distance that may be present in a military mom’s situation. We want to help by outlining the resources that are available to them, and also by explaining some other free resources that are offered by us.
We will explain all the different ways that expectant military moms can plan the baby shower of their dreams, and also explain all the games and fun activities that are still possible in these tricky circumstances. You might be surprised at how much fun everyone can have even when they are miles apart!
Why WebBabyShower is Used by Military Families:
- WebBabyShower connects families worldwide, no matter their location, in a private, intimate space with video & photo albums, guest books, games, a gift registry, and built-in email invitations and birth announcements.
- We make it easy to combine an online shower experience and in-person events to include deployed service members.
- Don’t cut your celebration short. Our extended baby shower time allows all your family and friends to join in the celebration – across any time zone!
- Flexibility! Your baby shower can easily be planned and organized by your family or friends. While 40% of our customers are friends, grandmothers, or aunts of the mom-to-be, almost 60% are expectant mothers. That means you can feel free to organize your baby shower yourself!
- WebBabyShower is the oldest AND most trusted online baby shower planning service.
Free Group Baby Shower Party Organizations.
Have you ever considered sharing your baby shower with other expectant military mothers? If so, both Operation Shower and Star-Spangled Babies offer an amazing service to the military community. Typically, both organizations offer group baby showers a few times each year on larger military bases.
A group baby shower is a perfect way to connect with other new or expectant moms in a military-specific setting. These ladies get the unique circumstances you may be experiencing. Since this isn’t an individual party, you can still plan your own personalized shower to be held at a different time, plus participate by joining a shower held by either of these organizations.
Of course, this is a great option for some, but not everyone is so keen on a group shower. Remember that a baby shower is all about the mother, so keep her needs first and foremost! Whether or not she is interested in a group shower is totally fine! It can be a great way to meet members of the local military community.
- Operation Shower. This organization was founded in 2007 by LeAnn Morrissey, and it was formed to honor expectant mothers whose spouse or partner was deployed during their pregnancy. Since then, with the support of volunteers and groups located all across the country, Operation Shower has hosted group showers for thousands of military moms and their families. Operation Shower works with brands like the PGA TOUR and public figures to host group baby showers in the United States. Once a military base is selected to hold a group baby shower, Operation Shower works directly with points of contact on that particular base to help identify and reach out to qualifying moms-to-be. For more details, contact [email protected]
- Star-Spangled Babies. In conjunction with Operation Homefront, Star-Spangled Babies provides baby showers for new moms on military bases. They realize that while welcoming a new baby is an exciting time, it can also add increased financial difficulties, particularly during deployment. That’s where Star-Spangled Babies comes in – “to make it easier for our service members and their growing families to welcome the newest patriot to their families.” Typically, participating families include those who have deployed service members, wounded service members, and other junior and mid-grade service members in their family. To date, they have fulfilled over 41,000 requests from military families all across the United States. Need more information? Contact Operation Homefront.
More FREE Stuff and Resources for Military Families and Expecting Mothers!
For our readers who are military moms or pregnant military wives, we have even more info for free goodies, care packages, and medical care/supplies to share with you and your family.
- The Carrying On Project. Founded by Kit and Rachel, The Carrying on Project is on a mission to provide military families with free baby carriers, wraps, and slings to be used during military deployments. Not only does babywearing make it easier to care for baby, it also promotes a life-long bonding experience. If you’re a United States military family who cannot get a carrier otherwise, or for whom purchasing a carrier would create a financial hardship, simply fill out an online form found here. The folks at The Carrying On Project will review your application and then try to find a carrier best suited for you AND your little one’s needs. Find out more by visiting The Carrying On Project website contact page.
- Soldiers’ Angels Baby Brigade. Managed by Soldiers’ Angels and formerly called Operation Top Knot, Soldiers’ Angels Baby Brigade provides virtual baby showers for expectant active duty service members, as well as expectant spouses of deployed service members. These “Team Angels” shop for baby care items to assist military families in preparing for the new baby’s arrival. The care packages typically contain must-have items, such as diapers, bottles, bibs, onesies, grooming kits, and more. They also include made-with-love new baby necessities, such as hand-knit blankets, booties, and hats. You can learn more about Soldiers’ Angels Baby Brigade via the Soldiers’ Angels contact page on their website.
- TRICARE. For breast pumps and related supplies, TRICARE features a fantastic program by providing breast pumps to new moms at no cost. That’s right – it’s a FREE service! It doesn’t matter which TRICARE plan you use or your sponsor’s status (whether active duty military, retired, or Guard/Reserve).
- You can go directly through TRICARE for these items, or you can also utilize one of the third-party vendors, who will navigate this sometimes-complicated process at no additional cost to you!
WebBabyShower recommends thebreastfeedingshop.com as a trusted provider to thousands of military families, who can navigate TRICARE and have your free breast pump and compression belts sent to you. Simply obtain a prescription from your TRICARE-authorized OB-GYN during your pregnancy, and have the prescription filled at a number of breast pump supply shops. *Note: Your prescription doesn’t have to specify a particular breast pump brand. And if you meet eligibility guidelines, TRICARE also covers up to 6 outpatient breastfeedings (lactation) counseling sessions. Feel free to contact them directly through their TRICARE website contact page.
- Medical Care & Doulas. Are you looking for pregnancy or postpartum medical assistance, including a doula (a birth coach trained to support expectant moms throughout the birthing process)? Military Birth Resource Network runs a 100% volunteer doula program. Operation Doula provides doula support for any military family delivering at Balboa Hospital in San Diego, California. This support service is offered on an as-available basis once a mom is admitted and in active labor. Want to learn more about Doulas? We interviewed an amazing Doula to get more information and find out some good questions to ask a Doula when looking for one.
In addition to doulas, Military Birth Resource Network’s services include prenatal education, birth and postpartum support, and infant feeding support. Their mission statement is “to enable continuity of care by providing the necessary community, network, resources and awareness to our military families stateside and those stationed overseas.” There are currently 14 international military base chapters, including bases in Europe and Japan, as well as 10 military bases located right here in the United States! Visit Military Birth Resource Network’s contact page for additional details.
Postpartum Support
Now that your new baby has finally arrived, you may be looking for postpartum support. No worries! We have found resources to assist you as you transition to your new role – motherhood. You’re going to rock it!
- Operation Special Delivery. Founded by Patricia Newton, Operation Special Delivery helps support expecting military mothers. How? By providing discounted labor support services and increasing access to quality labor doula care to all qualifying military service members and their families. An Operation Special Delivery doula becomes your personal “Battle Buddy,” helping you build strength, power, and acceptance during the birthing process. According to the Operation Special Delivery website, what began as a network of volunteers “has expanded into a national organization whose goal is to provide professional and sustainable doula services to military personnel, past, and present.” They are committed to supporting our servicemen and women by providing the highest standard of professional doula care. Contact Operation Special Delivery via their contact page to request additional details.
- Postpartum Support International (PSI). Founded in 1987 by Jane Honikman in Santa Barbara, California, Postpartum Support International aims to raise awareness regarding the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. Did you know there is a strong link between military deployments and postpartum depression? It’s true. And the reason – new military moms encounter so much additional stress during that time. According to the PSI website: “Military families face unique stressors that make them more susceptible to experiencing perinatal mood disorders. Our Volunteer Support Coordinators are available to offer peer support, information, and resources for military families.” They go on to say that “1 in 7 Moms and 1 in 10 Dads suffer from postpartum depression.” To combat this, PSI provides direct peer support to families, trains professionals, and provides a bridge to connect them. PSI offers support geared explicitly toward military families. Find your specific military branch here to contact a dedicated PSI volunteer. If you need postpartum support, you may also reach out to PSI by visiting their contact page.
Additional Branch Specific Resources for You
Have you considered seeking support directly from the branch of service either you or your spouse serve in? If not, you should! Service-specific organizations found on some military bases offer additional resources for military moms and pregnant military wives. These organizations include:
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Located on Navy or Marine Corps bases, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers expecting military families free classes, including a Budget for Baby workshop to help you plan for the financial impact of your new baby. The financial education course offers tips, such as developing a family budget and saving money. Seriously, who doesn’t want to save more cash? Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other expectant Navy and Marine Corps families. And just for attending the Budget for Baby class, every participant receives a gift, including a baby blanket handmade by a Society volunteer. Do you prefer one-on-one budget counseling and financial education? The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers those courses too – for FREE! Click here to make an appointment with one of their highly-trained volunteers. For locations, check out the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society “Find a Location” page.
- Air Force Aid Society (AFAS). This organization is similar to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, however, the Air Force Aid Society provides support for expectant families who serve in the Air Force. One popular program offered is the Bundles for Babies class, designed to teach soon-to-be and new parents basic parenting skills. Additionally, new parents will learn essential financial skills to help them budget for their new baby – from birth all the way to college! Bundles for Babies also provides the perfect opportunity to connect with other expectant parents on base. After completing the class, the AFAS will give parents a gift card to help purchase some of baby’s first must-have essentials. The Bundles for Babies class is open to all ranks of service. And you are welcome to attend, whether it’s your first pregnancy – or not! Contact your installation’s Airman and Family Readiness Center to find out more. Additional details can also be found at the AFAS website.
Choosing the Best Resources for You
We’ve certainly given you a lot to think about so far. Being an expectant mother is an understandably hectic and confusing time for many. Our goal with this list of resources is to provide assistance to those who might need support during this time.
Of course, you are not obligated to use any of these services by any means. Many expectant mothers can view all of the options available and have a tendency to worry that they are not doing enough. But remember, there is nothing wrong with figuring things out on your own.
The best thing you can do as an expecting mother is to evaluate your needs and ensure that you have a way of fulfilling them. These resources are there if you need them. The best thing you can do is simply to familiarize yourself with the options available to you so that you can feel secure knowing they are there should you require any additional assistance at any point in time.
Connecting You with Your Family and Friends
Here at WebBabyShower, we proudly support all military moms and pregnant military wives. Thank you for your service and dedication to keeping our country safe, while sacrificing your own precious family time. We salute YOU!
So far, we have explained all the services and resources that are available to military moms and military spouses. But a baby shower is also about another important metric – the fun factor! We at WebBabyShower offer all the tools you need to plan your own shower and ensure that everyone has a great time. Let’s look at some of the features on offer.
More Freebies
Did you enjoy our list of freebies and resources – created just for you AND your new baby? We certainly hope so! But we at WebBabyShower offer some of our own freebies as well!
So, while you’re here, be sure to check out more on our WebBabyShower website, filled with tons of exclusive (and FREE!) printables and games, plus informative articles packed with checklists and tips for all things – you guessed it – baby shower!
And please consider using our online baby shower services to plan your upcoming baby shower. We are committed to connecting military service members with their family and friends, all across the globe. WebBabyShower looks forward to serving you and celebrating the arrival of your new baby!
Why Games and Printables?
The free games and printables offered by WebBabyShower are a great way to inject some extra fun and excitement into your baby shower. Whether you are able to host an in-person shower, or you have to work with constraints of long-distance, printable games are a great way to get everyone involved.
One of the major roadblocks in planning a shower is often just finding ways to keep everyone occupied and having fun. Games are such a simple way of doing this, and a great way to provide the best possible experience for your guests. And if the guests are having fun, then so is the mother! But remember, this is first and foremost about the mother. Plan the shower of the mom-to-be’s dreams.
Conclusion
Thank you very much for checking out our list of resources available to military moms. These resources can help them with planning a baby shower and much more.
We understand that this is a very stressful time in a military mom’s life, but it is an exciting one as well! Try to use these resources to make the most of this situation. Every expectant mother has a different set of specific needs, and sometimes it’s just great to know that options are available.
Any questions or comments? Feel free to leave them below!
