The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) has introduced First Year Focus, a new program designed to support expectant and new mothers in the Navy and Marine Corps.

The initiative provides comprehensive mental and physical health resources to help mothers navigate pregnancy and the first year of their child's life.

First Year Focus, available at no cost, is open to pregnant service members and eligible family members according to a news release. The program is being piloted in select locations across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and New England and is delivered through the NMCRS Visiting Nurse Program. Participants receive individualized care and educational resources aimed at improving maternal mental health during pregnancy and postpartum.

"This unique, comprehensive program strongly considers mothers' physical health but has a solid emphasis on their mental and emotional well-being as well," Capt. Rosemary Perdue, director of the Visiting Nurse Program at NMCRS, said in the release. "Military life presents unique challenges, so First Year Focus addresses those issues while also helping to mitigate the overall risks of serious mental and physical health conditions."

Maternal mental health is a growing concern within the military community. Of the approximately 100,000 active-duty service members and military spouses who give birth each year, one in three experience maternal mental health conditions — twice the rate seen in the civilian population. Recognizing this issue, the final 2025 National Defense Authorization Act includes the first legislation specifically addressing military mothers' mental health.

First Year Focus aims to foster strong prenatal bonds and create a foundation of trust and support for military mothers. The program offers in-home, virtual or hybrid visits to accommodate busy schedules. Participants receive personalized guidance from registered nurses, infant feeding and growth monitoring, and coordination with healthcare providers. They also gain access to educational materials, including the book Settling in with Baby.

The program extends care for a full year after childbirth, ensuring continued support for new mothers adjusting to life with a newborn. For more information about First Year Focus, call (800) 654-8364.

Founded in 1904, NMCRS is a nonprofit military aid society dedicated to assisting active-duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their eligible family members. With a network of more than 4,100 volunteers and 179 employees, NMCRS provides financial, educational and emergency assistance, including interest-free loans and grants for essential needs such as rent, utilities and disaster relief. The society supports over 48,000 clients annually, distributing more than $50 million in financial assistance. NMCRS operates in over 94 locations nationwide and holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for its efficiency and effectiveness.