MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND – Minot Air Force Base hosted its first-ever “Boots and Babies,” an event aimed at helping moms in uniform from pregnancy to toddlerhood.

U.S. military wives and spouses may struggle to find themselves on a new base, usually away from family and friends, with little support system, especially during pregnancies.

“Having the support of my family, my husband, some of my friends, finding these people at work who were supportive of my decisions and my goals,” said Sgt. Samantha Furtaw, Aircraft Maintenance.

Air Force-wide, there is a need for more child care options and providers with the long waiting list with child development centers on base.

“I wanted to bring that to Minot and shine a light on it, especially because there are so many moms here and there are a lot of active women here, so we are women inspiring the next generation,” Laurile Mcdormott said. .

Mcdormott is the co-founder of “Minot Wings,” a social group for female service members and spouses who support each other and answer questions.

“Tricare just developed a program where they cover childbirth with birth doulas and lactation consultants,” said Shericca Blackmon, birth doula.

Coming together to talk about what it means to be a mother in uniform.

Minot Wings support group is activated Facebook and you can contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

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