Can you share a bit about your experience of being a military wife + mama?

My husband was in the USMC infantry for 5 years. On his last deployment, a week after he left, I learned I was pregnant with my first son. I had to tell him I was pregnant over a satellite phone with long pauses. He wasn’t there when I first heard his heartbeat or felt his first kick or at any of the first appointments. But I had support. I had an amazing family and in-laws who went to appointments with me, were with me during those tough moments where I just wanted my husband, and came together to celebrate my impending arrival into motherhood.

What do you wish other mamas knew about your experience as a military wife + mama in America?

That it can be incredibly isolating. The long days, the weeks in the field, the three deployments where I just tried to stay as busy as possible, it all takes a toll. But it can also be very rewarding. You live in places you might not have before, you have adventures together, and you lean on each other in ways you hadn’t before.

Do you have any advice or inspiration for any other mamas who may be going through this shared experience?

Lean on your support system as much as possible. If you don’t have a support system yet and you are far from family, there are tons of wives groups on social media. Try to become involved if you can. And communicate effectively to your spouse when something is bothering you. They are not mind readers and have a lot on their minds as well so being open and honest about how you are feeling might surprise you.