This is definitely a loaded issue. The sad but true fact is breastfeeding
would not make this soldier non-deployable. If there are current serious
illneses in a child, then compassionate deferrments have been made,but
wouldn't apply here. Once a military member becomes pregnant, they receive
extensive counseling by their commander re: what their responsibilities are
to the Army...including the possibility of having to leave children, even
newborns, behind with a designated guardian, should they be mobilized. They
have the option at that time to separate from service (get out)with an
honorable discharge, if they are unwilling to accept the possibility that
they may be deployed away from their children, or be assigned somewhere for
a year (like Korea) where they can't bring family. That said, things are
slowly looking better for breastfeeding moms in Federal Service. I am
currently setting up a lactation room at a Dept of Defense installation in
response to a new policy that all facilities (in this branch) offer this to
employees. I have also been able to work with some Commanders to make
allowances for military mom's to have private space to pump at work. There
is no global policy though, as units are unique. Wish I could do more...

LTC Trish Malley
RN, MPH, IBCLC,...mother to Ryan -6

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