Yokota offers programs to help new parents

  • Published
  • By Airman Lynsie Nichols
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  It's tough being a new parent, but Yokota Air Base takes some of the stress off by offering classes and groups for parents of young children.

Whether it's social or physical support, several programs are offered all around the base.

The Family Advocacy offers classes like "1-2-3 Magic," a program for parents with children ages 2-12, "Dads 101" and a "Single Parent Support Group." For more information on these classes and other classes offered by the Family Advocacy call 225-3648.

Rachel Brandenburg, wife of Senior Airman Matthew Brandenburg, a pediatrics medical technician for the 374th Medical Group, and mother to daughter Julie, is a part of a "mom group" called the Edith Play Group. The group meets every Friday between 11 a.m. and noon at the Dental Clinic. For more information on this group, contact the Dental Clinic at 225-8725.

Mrs. Brandenburg also participates in a group called "HMs," which stands for "hot mamas." The leader of the group sends out a weekly email with a schedule of things they will be doing each week. Some of the things on their activity list include themed pot lucks, field trips and swimming.

Since Mrs. Brandenburg is a fulltime mom she doesn't use any daycare programs like the Childcare Development Center, but does use the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program offered here at Yokota.

WIC offers food checks to expectant mothers and mothers of children up five years old, to ensure mother and child are receiving healthy meals. For more information on the WIC program, call 225-9426.

"I've been on WIC since my pregnancy and it has saved me a lot of money," said Mrs. Brandenburg. "Feeding with formula really makes using WIC worth it.

There is also a group for mothers called "Mothers of Preschoolers" or "MOPS." This group meets every third Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. The group is a way for mothers to get together and socialize while their children attend MOPPETS classes. For more information, contact the Chapel at 225-7009.

If you plan on, or are already breastfeeding, there is a group for mothers called the "La Leche League of Yokota." The group offers support, encouragement and information for mothers and meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Tammy Fuller at 906-229-0498.

While your baby is young, the Pediatrics Center works with you to make sure that things are running smoothly with you and your child. They will give you a print out of age appropriate activities that you can do with your child. For more information on Pediatrics and their list of activities contact 225-9959.

Whatever program you choose, Team Yokota is working together to make being a new parent a less stressful experience.