Happy Holidays from MBRNPC

December 2023 Newsletter

Dear MBRNPC Community,

As we reflect on 2023, we have so much to be grateful for. We have grown our Coalition, added network members, recruited amazing ambassadors, and worked on a lot of policy. With these accomplishments came some disappointment as well. While we lost some major issues in the 2024 NDAA, we are proud of the way this group (you included!) came together and pushed for more support for growing families in the military. Legislators and other organizations have taken notice and with you alongside us, we know that this work will continue to grow and evolve. Thank you for your passion and commitment to our mission and we can’t wait for you to join us in or work for 2024.

Be on the lookout for some updates, events, and opportunities coming soon! Wishing you all an amazing holiday season and we’ll see you in 2024!

Warmest regards,

The MBRNPC Team

Find us on social media outlets!

Welcome our newest MBRNPC Board Members

Dr. Kristal Lau, MBRNPC's new Director of Education.

Dr. Kristal Lau is the author of 'Postpartum 30', a Physician-turned-Postpartum Wellness Consultant, and a mother of 2. Dr. Lau brings over 10 years of combined experience and knowledge in clinical medicine, scientific research, and public health, including her experience as an entrepreneur. She's lived in 4 different continents to date; Asia, Australia, North America, and Europe. She's also a Certified European Lifestyle Medicine Health Advisor.

Dr. Lau currently resides in Europe. When she's not working, she can be found escaping from escape rooms with her friends and family or indulging in horror movies and shows.

Tiffany Jordan, MBRNPC’s new Chapter Director.

Tiffany Jordan is a combat veteran, mother, and military spouse. She is originally from Nebraska and was raised in a military family. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in History and Secondary Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and earned her Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA), with honors, from the University of Colorado Denver where she specialized in nonprofit leadership and policy work.

Tiffany enjoys traveling and has visited 18 countries (Spain is her favorite); she also loves hiking (walking), cooking (eating), playing pickleball, and reading. Tiffany currently lives near Scott AFB in Southern Illinois with her husband, two young sons, and one old dog.

Military Birth Talk Podcast

Season 1 closed out on December 21st with our last episode! We are honored to make space for these stories and hope that you have found them inspiring and helpful as you navigate your work or military life. Please help us grow by sharing Military Birth Talk with your community and leave us a review!

Listen to Alexandra’s Birth Story on one of our channels.

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/46j2v5Z

Spotify: https://podcast.sptfy.com/OYqh

More: militarybirthtalk.buzzsprout.com

We would love hear from you about Military Birth Talk.

Share your thoughts!

Both the House and Senate passed their versions of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act and it is headed to the President’s desk for signature into law. We are disappointed that the expansion of the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Demonstration to MTFs (military treatment facilities) has been removed. Thank you to all of you that joined our efforts and called on your legislators to keep this expansion in the law. We will continue to advocate for better care for our military members and dependents and are working closely on the opening of this demonstration overseas.

Please join our campaign - “Give Me Options and Give Me Support.” Find our toolkit in the link HERE and share with your networks far and wide! This is a continued disservice to military families, disproportionately affecting servicewomen who don't always have a choice to give birth outside of the MTF. We must join together as a community of servicemembers, veterans, spouses, birthworkers, and advocates to raise awareness. EVERY military family deserves birth support

Exodus 1:17 Ministries serving the Tinker AFB, Oklahoma and surrounding areas.

Tips for Finding a Doula in Your Area

The Military Birth Resource Network and Postpartum Coalition provides listing for several locations. Start HERE to search for a doula. (We also have doulas who participate in the Tricare Childbirth Demonstration)
If you are searching for a Tricare covered doula, you can start by searching for providers at your location. Tricare West or Tricare East.
Check for local Doula Collectives or Groups that can connect you with resources.

Are you a Birth Professional supporting Military Families?

Join MBRNPC Today!

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors, Partners and Coalition Members.

Learn more about joining how you can participate.

Visit our website

Military Birth Resource Network & Postpartum Coalition is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted under IRS regulations. Kindly consult your tax advisor regarding specific questions about your deductions.

Military Birth Resource Network & Postpartum Coalition is not affiliated, funded, or in any way associated with the Department of Defense or any of its components. Military Birth Resource Network & Postpartum Coalition has no governmental status.