By Sandi Moynihan

DOVER, Delaware—Being pregnant isn’t easy under the best of circumstances. But being pregnant and having a spouse in the military – or serving yourself – can make the expecting experience exponentially more difficult.

That’s why the USO and the What to Expect Foundation, led by best-selling author Heidi Murkoff, team to bring Special Delivery Baby Showers to military bases around the world.

“It always helps to know that other women are going through the same experiences,” Heidi said. “But also going through the same experience in the setting of being in the military is really, really helpful.”

The baby shower, which took place earlier this month at the Dover Air Force Base’s Duncan Center, included games, lunch, raffle prizes and a question-and-answer session with Heidi, who wrote the best-selling book “What To Expect When You’re Expecting.” The event provided pregnant military spouses and service women the chance to network, bond and discuss the challenges of having baby while being in the military.

“It means a lot to me [to have this shower]. I think there’s a lot of women that feel alone,” said military spouse Sarah Stallcup. “I think this is something that really helps network and connect.”

Since launching in August 2013, the program, which travels to military bases around the world, has supported more than 3,000 military spouses and expectant active-duty mothers.

You can send a message of support and thanks directly to service members via the USO’s Campaign to Connect. Your messages will appear on screens at USO locations around the world.