"From belly-bumps to toddler toes" Published May 6, 2014 By Senior Airman Stephanie Sauberan Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Minot Air Force Base Family Advocacy program welcomed a new member to their New Parent Support Program, which teaches new and expectant parents what to plan for in regards to the development and care of their child April 7, 2014. Linda Miller, registered nurse, 5th Medical Operations Squadron FAP nurse, began work at the clinic with more than 35 years of previous pre-natal care experience in her back pocket. "I have a background in labor and deliver as well as neo-natal intensive care," said Miller. "I also worked as a case manager in the clinic for the last six years, so when this position became available due to another nurse's retirement I knew I could rise to fill the gap." Miller offers an obstetrics orientation class twice a month to expectant parents the first and third Thursday of each month in the 5th Medical Group's Education and Training Room on the third floor at 10 a.m. Staff Sgt. Ross Escobar, weapons load crew team chief, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and his wife Kami Alise, recently attended the OB class and were given information on a variety of topics from TRICARE benefits to setting up medical referrals. "Kami and I came to this class to get more information on parenting and all of the benefits that we receive on and off base," said Escobar. "Now we will know where we have to go and what we need to do to have the safest and easiest pregnancy experience." Expectant parents are able to visit Miller as well as other members of Family Advocacy, Referral Management and TRICARE for guidance and advice from the first notification of a pregnancy to the time that their child reaches age three. "Linda can educate parents on what to expect with their children from belly-bumps to toddler toes," said 1st Lt. Natasha Hilts 5th MDOS acting FAP officer. The program is in place as a standardized secondary prevention program under the Family Advocacy Program to prevent child abuse and neglect, according to the Department of Defense Instruction regarding the NPSP. The DoD instruction goes on to clarify that the NPSP also promotes resilient families and healthy parenting attitudes and skills. One of the ways that Miller is able to assist the FAP in working towards this goal is by going to the homes of Airmen on base to offer them advice and support. "As a registered nurse I am able to make home visits," said Miller. "This allows me to offer education on breast feeding, sibling rivalry, what to expect during a child's development and safety tips." Miller is also able to teach parents techniques for massage therapy and how to overcome the part of a child's life know as the period of purple crying. In addition to OB orientation the NPSP offers a class to new fathers called Dad's 101 in which the fathers of new children may learn how to better adapt to having a new baby in the home, said Miller. The class is taught in the Medical Group monthly by an instructor who follows a defined curriculum with hands on demonstrations and open discussion. Miller, along with the staff of the FAP, is able to assist new and expectant parent not only with finding classes to educate them based on their needs such as Dad's 101 but also with in practical applications of proper child care. As a mother of two and grandmother of six, Miller has plenty of hands on experience in childcare in addition to her medical background. She also grew up in a household with a military parent therefore she understands the demands of military family life, said Miller. "I'm here to offer support for those who are in need of a mom away from home to answer any question they might have, no matter how quirky," said Miller. One issue that Miller has experienced is the concern some new mothers have had in regards to breast feeding. Breast feeding does not always occur as the mother might predict or expect it to and when that happens she is available to help them understand why each case is unique and to offer support and reassurance, said Miller. Some babies take to breast feeding easily while others may not; it is Millers job to make sure the mother understands why this can occur and what methods to employ if it does. Now that Miller has begun to settle in to her new position she looks forward to working in the NPSP and assisting base Airmen and their families. "We are excited to have Linda onboard," said Hilts. "I know she will be able to continue our reputation of valued services to Minot Air Force Base."