VA supports parents and expecting mothers across America

VA honors all mothers and mothers-to-be

Whether you are a mom, want to be a mom, or are about to become a mom, VA supports you on Mother’s Day and every day. No matter where you are in your journey, we provide health care every step of the way to and through motherhood.

A core principle of our health care mission is for all pregnant Veterans and new moms to receive respectful, high-quality health care. Our health care providers and staff know that every Veteran’s journey is different, and we are dedicated to equitable care for all Veterans.

VA’s nationwide baby showers continue through 2022

For more than a decade, VA facilities across the nation have organized and hosted baby showers for Veterans who are expecting or who recently welcomed a new bundle of joy. Throughout this spring, we will celebrate the thousands of Veteran parents welcoming babies in 2022 at nearly 90 baby showers across the country.

VA baby showers provide new parents with essential baby items and help foster community connections with other parents and local services like the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC). New parents will also receive information about VA health care services, like help for post-partum depression.

Washington, D.C. VA hosted its annual drive-up baby shower last year for expecting parents and those who recently welcomed their new addition. VA baby showers support Veterans and their families with items like car seats, strollers, baby bags, diapers and more. These donations are provided through Veterans Service Organizations, non-profits, major retailers and other community partnerships.

A healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy you

If you are considering becoming pregnant, tell your VA health care providers. They will help you become as healthy as possible as you prepare for pregnancy. Your provider will ensure that your medical conditions are well-controlled and that you are taking folic acid, an essential nutrient during early pregnancy. They can also help you with healthy eating and connect you with other services like tobacco cessation support.

VA is here to support you on the road to parenthood

We provide care for mothers and expecting mothers, but also support those looking to build their families using infertility services or adoption.

“We have the resources to care for yourself and your newborn at the same time.”

Once you become pregnant, VA covers a wide range of maternity care services. Maternity care is covered by VA and is provided by non-VA providers in community facilities. Covered services include lab tests, ultrasounds, prescriptions, breastfeeding and lactation support, and one week of newborn care, starting with the day of delivery.

During pregnancy, your VA health care team remains available to assist you with managing your health care. This can include providing ongoing care for chronic conditions, connecting you to social work and mental health support and ensuring you have the equipment you may need during pregnancy, such as abdominal support belts or home blood pressure cuffs.

VA can help you care for yourself and a newborn at the same time

Welcoming a new baby into your home is an exciting but often challenging time. It is a significant transition for you and your whole family. Many people may feel overwhelmed. Whether you need assistance with lactation, postpartum depression, parenting or relationship support, your VA provider and team are here to support you.

“We want you to have the resources you need as you care for yourself, and care for a newborn at the same time. That is why VA covers the essentials – care ranging from mental health support and nutrition services to key items like nursing bras, nursing pads, breast pumps and maternity belts,” explained Dr. Amanda Johnson, director of Reproductive Health at VA Office of Women’s Health.

Learn more about maternal health at VA.

VA maternity care coordinators are available to help

VA maternity care coordinators (MCCs) help you navigate your health care both inside and outside of VA, answer your questions and connect you to resources. To find an MCC near you, contact your VA health care provider or local Women’s Veteran Program Manager.

We provide health care and maternity care services for the Veteran you are. If you are an LGBTQ+ Veteran and have questions or need an appointment, please call the Women Veterans Call Center (855-829-6636) or your local LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator.

If you have questions about VA health care, including questions about maternity care, you can call, text or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636. All the representatives are women, and many of them are Veterans themselves. They can connect you with your local Women Veteran Program Manager to help you schedule appointments.

To all Veteran moms and moms-to-be, thank you! Happy Mother’s Day from VA.