Dear MBRNPC Community,

We have received many questions on how the OCONUS Childbirth and Breastfeeding Demonstration (CBSD) will look as we are less than a year out from implementation. Here are some main takeaways from the TRICARE Operations Manual 6010.59-M, April 1, 2015, Section 12 Chapter 18:

• Tricare beneficiaries must enroll in the OCONUS program (they are not automatically enrolled as they are stateside)

• Births and care occurring at MTFs are not authorized to register for this program (for both lactation and doula support)

• The overseas focus will be to test whether or not it is feasible to provide this service overseas

• Tricare will have 14 days (varies based on gestational age or country) to notify the beneficiary if there are OCONUS CBSD providers in their area

• There are three tiers to certification for OCONUS doulas

  • Level 1: Doula is certified by the 5 DHA approved certifying bodies (they will have priority)

  • Level 2: Certification bodies that are comparable to the DHA approved list (requires meeting specific criteria)

  • Level 3: Alternative certification bodies recommended by TOP and approved by DHA

• Building the OCONUS network will begin in October 2024

• Beneficiary registration will begin in December 2024

For more detailed information, please refer to the Manual linked above.

MBRNPC is actively working with International SOS (Tricare Overseas Provider), supplying recommendations and advocating for this demonstration to be beneficial to both providers and military families seeking care. It is our priority to ensure that everyone get the proper support, training, and information as we begin the rollout of this benefit overseas. Keep an eye out for more updates and information as we receive it. You can also read more on the OCONUS implementation through the Federal Register.

Our next Coalition Meeting is Thursday, March 7th. This meeting is for organizational level partners that want to support MRBNPC and our policy initiatives, as well as discuss ways to support military families through their own work. If your organization is interested in becoming a member or you know of someone that is, please fill out this form.

Thank you for your work and trust in our organization.

Warmest regards,

MBRNPC team

Find us on social media outlets!

MBRNPC New Members. Find support at your duty station

Chapter Updates

Do you love birth stories and military families? Do you have leadership experience that you are ready to take to the next level? One of MBRNPC’s goals for 2024 is to build chapters at 10 (10!) locations (bases/regions) this year! We are searching for our next Chapter Leaders, those ready to help grow a community in their current locations. Chapter Leaders are liaisons with base leadership and programs, they work with board members to coordinate events such as birth talks, morning walks, or even professional speaker series from the local area…This is truly whatever works for your area! You certainly won’t have to do this alone – We want to help you build a team, share the load AND build your own network and community. If starting a chapter has crossed your mind and you are curious about what happens next, fill out the Chapter Interest Form below.

You may also reach out to Tiffany Jordan, MBRNPC’s Chapter Director @ chapters@mbrnpc.org. We can’t wait to start this journey together. 

Military Birth Talk Podcast

Did you Know?

Did You Know that the East Asian zodiac Year of the Dragon usually brings a Baby Boom? 

By Dr Kristal Lau, Director of Education

This 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon according to the Chinese zodiac. And among many Chinese and other East Asian ethnic families, there's a belief that having a Dragon baby will bless the family with extra luck, wealth, and good fortune. And that the Dragon child will grow up to be powerful, wealthy, and prosperous (no pressure, am I right?).

Sounds a little woo-woo? The population census from many East Asian countries shows otherwise:

• Hong Kong witnessed a 5% rise in the number of births in 2000 (which was the Year of the Gold Dragon)

• Singapore and Malaysia saw 25% more babies born to Chinese parents in 1988 compared to the previous year (1988 was the Year of the Earth Dragon - my birth year!)

• Singapore built nine new schools (SCHOOLS, not just new classrooms!) to accommodate up to 4,000 Dragon babies from 1988.

So, if you're serving a location that has a robust East Asian population, there's a chance you may be extra busy this year! 

Piqued your curiosity? Check out my video about the Dragon Baby Boom to learn more about why the Year of the Dragon is a big deal and the effects of this cultural belief on individuals up to the population level.

In the News

Celebrating Black History Month learning about the first black women to serve in the Army Nursing Corps.

Sponsors, Partners and Coalition Members

Learn more about joining how you can participate.

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.