The Silent Struggle

Tiara Flynn, a mother, Air Force Veteran, and full spectrum doula, knows firsthand the unique challenges faced by mothers in the military. She had to make the difficult choice between her military career and motherhood, experiencing what she calls "the silent struggles military moms face."

"There's a delicate balance between the demands of a military uniform and the emotional weight of motherhood that is often overlooked and unsupported," Flynn said.

The Crisis

Military mothers face staggering mental health challenges that far exceed those of their civilian counterparts. According to a Government Accountability Office report, military mothers experience maternal mental health conditions at 2-3 times the rate of civilian mothers.

About 36% of TRICARE beneficiaries from FY 2017-2019 were diagnosed with a mental health condition during their perinatal period—pregnancy through 12 months after giving birth. This compares to approximately 20% for civilian new mothers nationwide.

The unique stressors include:

• Deployment while pregnant or with young children
• Family separation during critical bonding periods
• Limited access to perinatal and postpartum care
• Balancing rigorous military duties with motherhood
• Frequent relocation and loss of support networks
• Combat-related trauma while raising children

The MOMS Act: Making History

Flynn became a passionate advocate for The MOMS Act (Maintaining our Obligation to Moms who Serve Act), federal legislation addressing these critical gaps in care. On December 18, 2024, after almost 12 months of intense advocacy, Congress passed the legislation. On December 23, 2024, President Biden signed The MOMS Act into law as part of The National Defense Authorization Act.

"I am excited to see The MOMS Act officially introduced in the House and Senate," Flynn said. "I had to make the difficult choice between my military career and motherhood, so I understand the silent struggles military moms face."

This historic bipartisan legislation establishes the first federally mandated program dedicated to addressing maternal mental health within the military healthcare system.

What The MOMS Act Provides

The legislation implements comprehensive support including:

• Maternal mental health programs integrated into military healthcare
• Enhanced perinatal care services for service members
• Postpartum support programs specifically designed for military mothers
• Resources for managing deployment-related stress
• Mentorship programs connecting military mothers
• Official recognition of unique maternal challenges in military service

The Advocacy Campaign

Flynn worked alongside the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance and other advocates in a powerful grassroots campaign. Over 120 advocates from across the country met with 118 Congressional offices to raise awareness about the maternal mental health disparities military mothers experience and to request support for The MOMS Act.

The campaign successfully advocated for the inclusion of The MOMS Act into the National Defense Authorization Act of 2024, making it the first-ever legislation addressing mental health among military mothers.

A Voice From Experience

As both a military veteran and mother, Tiara Flynn brings lived experience to her advocacy work. Her testimony isn't theoretical—it's born from navigating the impossible balance of serving her country while trying to be present for her children.

Flynn works with legislators, military leadership, and advocacy organizations to push for systemic changes that support service member mothers. Her efforts aim to ensure the military recognizes and addresses the specific needs of mothers in uniform.

The Legacy

The MOMS Act represents a seismic shift in how the military supports its service members. For the first time, the unique mental health needs of military mothers are officially recognized and addressed through federal policy.

Tiara Flynn's advocacy is helping reshape military policy to better serve those who serve while raising the next generation. Her courage in sharing her own struggles has opened the door for thousands of military mothers to receive the support they desperately need.

The law will impact thousands of military families, providing critical mental health support that has been missing for generations. Flynn's heroism lies not in a single dramatic moment, but in her persistent, determined fight to change a system that failed mothers like her.