Moms share storknesting experience

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christin Michaud
  • 65th ABW Public Affairs
LAJES AIR STATION, Portugal --  One childbirth option for women at Lajes Field is the opportunity to stork nest at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

The stork nest program allows expectant mothers to travel to Germany to delivery their baby at a military treatment facility instead of at the local hospital.

Other options for birthing include Angra Hospital and delivery at a civilian facility in the states for dependents.

In the past year, approximately nine mothers chose to stork nest in Germany, according to Staff Sgt. Tiesha Glover, 65th Medical Group Women’s Health technician.

There are advantages and disadvantages for each, but for one mom, going to Spangdahlem was a clear choice.

“I chose to stork nest because this was my first child and I wanted everything to be perfect,” said Staff Sgt. Katherine Burcar, 65th Logistics Readiness Squadron. “I wanted to be in a facility whose procedures are more familiar to us.”

Between 32-34 weeks into their pregnancy, expectant mothers are flown to Germany where they stay for the remainder of their pregnancy.

“I thought the program was very good. When I called to set up the shuttle ride from the airport they knew who I was without having to say my name because they were expecting me and keeping an eye out for me,” said Katy Bell who also chose to stork nest in Germany.

Soon-to-be moms continue their routine check ups and deliver their baby at the MTF located on the Bitburg Annex.

As part of the program, stork nesters are given a sponsor from Spangdahlem to help them during their stay.

“My sponsor was actually my first boss in the Air Force,” said Sergeant Burcar. “When I decided to stork nest, I contacted him to tell him I was coming to the area and kindly asked him to sponsor me and he agreed. He was fantastic. When I called him he was always willing to help me. Even if it was for just a Taco Bell run.”

Stork nesters stay at the temporary lodging facility.

“It had everything I needed,” Sergeant Burcar said. “The place was bigger than where I live now.”

The TLF is located within walking distance of the hospital, and other on-base amenities.

“It was right behind the BX and movie theater with the food court and commissary near by and the hospital was a block away,” explained Mrs. Bell.

“I met up with another ‘stork nester’ from Lajes and we walked everywhere or took the shuttle over to Spangdahlem to shop or eat,” Sergeant Burcar said. “It passed the time. I took a shopping trip sponsored by the Family Support Center. It kept me moving and helped the time go by until my husband joined me.”

Sergeant Burcar said what she liked best about the stork nest program was the hospital staff and the care they provided.

“The staff at Bitburg was awesome,” she said. “I couldn’t have asked for better care. From the individual checking me in at my weekly appointments to the nurse that discharged us at the end of our stay, they were all great.”

Mrs. Bell echoed her.

“I loved the hospital and the whole staff. They were very helpful and friendly,” she said. “I would look forward to going back just for the staff.”

The Bell’s son, Eric Patrick Bell II, was born Dec. 4.

Sergeant Burcar delivered her son the following week. Anthony Paul Burcar was born on Dec. 11.