A co-worker, who spent years in the British Armed Services, had a wonderful
choice for this family.

 I agree wholeheartedly that no one really knows how they are going to feel
until the baby is in their arms, and when this mom signed on at West Point,
she never anticipated this.  However, as a parent of 2 in college, one to
be in college next year and one coming up the pike, I must say that a good
college education is VERY expensive.  When one gradutates from West Point,
one does so with no student loans to repay.  The education is in exchange
for the graduate's time in the military service.  So, this mom realized she
just couldn't leave that baby.  All opinions not withstanding, she
defaulted on her college loan.  In the British Armed Services, if you want
out, you can buy your way out.  Makes sense to me.  If she wanted out, let
her repay her college "loan" and let her go.  She still has that education
in her head and may use it later.

I also think that in the private sector, no such accomodation would have
been possible.  When have any of us heard of a 2.5 hr lunch-for any reason?
 I think the CO tried.

Now, understand, I support the mom's decision to raise her child.  But I
think the military needs to make a plan to deal with situations that entail
these types of problems.  It is truly unfair for taxpayers to educate a
woman who defaults on her agreement.  But it has to be possible to come to
some equitable arrangement if such a problem occurs.

I wish this family the best of luck.  They are corageous and should be
commended.  But they also need to teach their child that when you make a
committment, if you can't stick to it you need to make it up in some other
way. They have already taught her the power of a mother's love.

Barbara Leshin-Zucker, IBCLC
Breastfeeding Coordinator, Morrisania WIC
Bronx, NY