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U.S. Military Rules for Breastfeeding Mothers

by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor on December 11th, 2007

Back when I wrote this post for military moms, I asked readers for help with more insight into the regulations for American servicewomen who are breastfeeding. Captain Rebecca Welton to the rescue! She wrote:

There is a 4-month (not 6) deferment from mobility for military mothers immediately following the birth of a child. This comes from DODI 1342.19, para. 4.13., page 6 which can be found at this link. Since it’s a DOD-wide document, it applies to all branches.

There’s also been a change to Air Force policy. In recent months, questions have been elicited regarding the application of AFI 44-102, Chapter 4.15, specifically with regard to whether the instruction mandates time off from work or deferral from deployment taskings for those military members who are breast feeding. To avoid further confusion, Chapter 4.15 is rescinded and the attached serves as Interim Policy until an Interim Change (IC) to AFI 44-102 is published. Air Force members, who are breastfeeding or pumping, remain eligible for field training, mobility exercises, and deployment. The Air Force Medical Service encourages commanders’ modifications of these activities and/or work conditions for airmen who are breastfeeding, when possible. Nonetheless, duty requirements may not always be compatible with exclusive breastfeeding. In these cases, the AF member must decide, in consultation with her medical provider, whether to attempt to continue breastfeeding and/or pumping breast milk.

//SIGNED//

REBECCA M. WELTON, Capt, USAF

AETC CONS/LGCK

Thank you for the clarification Captain Welton! As always I enjoy hearing from readers and I appreciate the additional information!

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