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Early last year, Army Veteran Tanita Mitchell wasn’t feeling well and went to a local emergency department thinking she might have the flu. To her surprise, doctors informed her that she was

pregnant. At 33 and with three children at home, Mitchell knew she had a lot on her plate.  She turned to the Houston VA for support.  Mitchell was assigned a VA maternity care coordinator

Felicia Rivas, RN, and after their first conversation, says she knew immediately she was in good hands. “I really felt connected to nurse Felicia,” Mitchell said.  “She talked with me weekly

and whenever I had questions or needed help, she was right there.  She really went above and beyond for me.” Rivas is one of a four-person team of nurse maternity care coordinators who

connect pregnant Veterans with obstetricians in the community and make sure they know how to utilize the wide array of perinatal services offered at VA, including perinatal yoga, parenting

classes, reproductive mental health, consultation with nutritionists and pharmacists, and family therapy services.     “We recognize that pregnancy and the postpartum period present

multifaceted challenges and we are committed to making it as easy as possible for our Veterans,” Rivas said.   “We help pregnant Veterans, their partners, and their families by equipping

them with the tools and services they may need to improve their quality of life during and after pregnancy.” During her pregnancy, Mitchell, says she experienced severe back pain.  After

discussing her discomfort with Rivas, she was referred to a chiropractor who provided prenatal massages that successfully alleviated her pain.  “Everyone needs a Felicia….she was with me in

this pregnancy every step of the way,” said Mitchell. “She even assisted me with ordering my VA-provided breastfeeding supplies like my breast pump, nursing bras and breast pads.” Houston

VA’s maternity care program has grown tremendously since its inception in 2016.  The first year, approximately 100 pregnant Veterans were served through the program.   In 2024, Houston VA’s

maternity care coordinator received 575 consults for pregnant Veterans.   “Women Veterans are our fastest growing population at the Houston VA and they are, on average, 20 years younger than

our average age of male patient,” said Deleene Menefee, Houston VA’s Women Veterans Program Manager.   “With the increasing number of women Veterans, most who are in child-bearing years,

the Houston VA’s perinatal team is well-prepared to help usher in the next generation. Last October, Mitchell gave birth to a baby boy named Carter who is now 11-weeks old.  We congratulate

Ms. Mitchell on her new bundle of joy. Click here for more information about Houston VA’s maternity care program.