HONOLULU -- Mothers of newborns, and families from the Tripler Centering Pregnancy Program (TCPP) had a unique opportunity to meet with Heidi Murkoff, the author of the "What to Expect When Expecting" series, through a partnership between Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) and the USO-Hawaii's efforts to provide quality programs to the local military community.
The September 16th event aligned with the USO's mission to lift the spirits of America's troops and families, as well as TAMC's mission of providing quality care to patients; serving those who are active duty, retired or family members.
"Working with Tripler Army Medical Center is a perfect example of how the USO-Hawaii fulfills its mission to support Warrior and Family Care initiatives," commented Carlos Rowe, Director, USO-Hawaii. "Our missions align with providing critical support to those in need, supporting our military communities with programs and services that make a difference in their lives."
Tripler's Centering Pregnancy Program families are one of the groups that got an opportunity to meet with Murkoff.
Tripler is one of the few military treatment facilities that have a program like the TCPP.
The program allows families a chance to increase their educational awareness about all aspects of a pregnancy through a group setting.
TCPP is a great example of providing positive patient care experiences.
"We, as healthcare professionals, want to positively affect the wellness of our military families and pregnancy is the perfect touch-point," states Christine Host, Tripler's Centering Pregnancy Program Coordinator. "It is a time when families naturally evaluate their wellness and are motivated to make positive changes. This can have lasting benefits for the whole family and for future generations," added Host.
Expecting families typically first learn about the program when they begin pre-natal care.
After an initial screening to ensure they qualify to be in the program, they begin their TCPP experience.
The program is in a group environment with a total of 10 pre-natal sessions and one post-partum session.
Expectant families learn about physical therapy, nutrition and lactation, among other health promoting programs.
Through the TCPP "mothers have learned to own their overall health and well-being, and especially their pregnancy," remarked Host. "The centering model increases engagement in wellness activities, increases empowerment and builds lasting support systems," added Host.
According to program officials, the TCPP program has been a huge success.
Not only has it provided positive lifestyle changes, but lifelong friendships are developed through the group bonding that takes place during the sessions.
Many mothers continue to share experiences and recommend the program to future mothers and families.
It has also increased access, provided continuity and education so patients feel they are taken care of when they are at Tripler.
Everyday TAMC works hard to enhance the quality care experience for patients; the Murkoff visit was a fun and unique way to do that.
"Our patients are a top priority in the Maternal Child Product Line," remarked Maj. Manushka Angoy, Chief Nurse Officer In Charge, TAMC Obstetrics clinic. "Partnering with the USO to bring Murkoff to our community of expecting and new families was an exceptional opportunity. This small gesture is one of many ways we express our gratitude and our honor to those we serve."
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