You are here: Home » Latest News » Issue 19: Supporting Military Families and Partners
Posted: 27th June, 2024
Military careers come with unique demands, including frequent relocations within the UK and overseas. These moves often lead to extended periods of separation, posing challenges for the families and partners of Serving Personnel. Maintaining continuity of care and managing mental health can be especially tough for spouses /partners during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Supporting Military Families and Partners in Sussex
Servicemembers are registered with Defence Medical Services (DMS) GP practices. Meanwhile, their spouses, partners, and dependents are typically registered with NHS GP practices.
Each of the 3 services has its own welfare support and information service teams and Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS).
For more information about:
If you or your partner are trying to have a child, are pregnant or have just had a child, it is important to know what options you have and what actions to take.
If you become pregnant while serving in the armed forces, it is important to inform your medical officer as soon as possible. This means you and your baby can receive protective treatment and support.
During and after pregnancy, you are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave. If you need paternity leave, you can claim different amounts of time but it cannot start until the baby is born and must be taken within 56 days of the birth.
If both parents are serving after the birth of your baby, it is important to inform your chain of command so that the services can try not to deploy both parents at the same time.
It’s important to see a midwife/GP or medical officer, as early as possible to get the antenatal (pregnancy) care and information you need to have a healthy pregnancy.
If you have an existing health condition and are under the care of a hospital consultant, it is important that you tell your specialist and your GP as soon as you find out you are pregnant.
Helpful links-
For pregnant military spouses and those pregnant whilst serving in the Armed Forces, unique challenges may heighten the risk of pre-and postnatal mental health issues. Additionally, Veteran spouses and Veterans themselves face increased risks due to physical or mental injuries.
IAPT services cover the whole area and offer free, confidential talking therapy for people who have symptoms of anxiety or depression. They give priority to pregnant women and new parents.
It is common for pregnant women/people and new parents to experience:
It is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets.
Issue 19: Supporting Military Families and Partners
https://sussexlmns.org/news/issue-19-supporting-military-families-and-partners/
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