Do you have a problem with a mother breastfeeding in uniform?

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:21:31 -0400

Say you have a Service Member that wants to breast feed her child - do you have a problem with that? Is it right for the new mother to do this in the workplace? To breastfeed in uniform? To be allowed more frequent (and longer) breaks than the other non new mothers? How would you support a member of your unit that wanted to do this also?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/12/jonea-cunico-military-breastfeed_n_6856762.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592

Air Force Mom Breastfeeding In Uniform Is A Stunning Look At Military Motherhood

Staff Sgt. Jonea Cunico is an Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Specialist in the Air Force Reserves and mom to a 14-month-old boy named Joshua Jr. When photographer Jade Beall captured gorgeous p

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 12 at 2015 8:22 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:22:16 -0400

Nope!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Mar 12 at 2015 8:26 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:26:55 -0400

Does it affect mission accomplishment? Does she recognize the importance of mission, team and family and balance them in a reasonable way? Then no problem.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Mar 12 at 2015 8:31 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:31:50 -0400

Women give birth in cabs, beside the road, wherever and when ever the baby says it's time and we say it's a miracle or how great that was, so why does feeding that same baby in public get so much static about being indecent or, God forbid , sexually arrouseing. People need to get a life and stay out of other's.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 12 at 2015 8:34 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:34:29 -0400

No problem whatsoever..

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Mar 12 at 2015 8:39 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:39:07 -0400

Why would a mother have a baby in the work place to begin with? I understand there are special occasions where you have to have your kids with you. But to do so in public and in uniform is not right. Find a nice quite room to take care of your infant. We have a nursing room at our work place. I have nothing against mothers breast feeding, it is natural. Just use common sense that's all.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 8:42 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:42:25 -0400

I have zero problems with it. It's the best thing for the child. My company actually set up mommy rooms. Maybe the services should do that. It's a completely natural thing that women have done for millennium. Welfare of the child comes before inconvenience to the military.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Mar 12 at 2015 8:45 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:45:56 -0400

Personally? Nope not at all.

Big Blue...well a few years ago they did (Sorta)

http://archive.airforcetimes.com/article/20120601/NEWS/206010306/Guard-official-Breastfeeding-airmen-violated-policy-uniforms

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 8:46 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:46:54 -0400

No problem at all. Do your thing then on to the business at hand. Honestly, none of my business.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 12 at 2015 9:07 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 21:07:31 -0400

I have no problem with a mother breastfeeding in uniform. My wife was a service member when our son was born. The command was extremely supportive, as far back as 2000. I have friends who had children back in 1996~, and also had no issue.

I've served with women who came back from maternity leave, and "pumped" and reasonable accommodations were made. I'm not sure what the articles are trying to imply.

However, I do have an issue with making a spectacle out of what is essentially a private matter. Breastfeeding is nothing to be embarrassed about, but it is private. There is no reason to "celebrate" it, even if it is natural.

To do so detracts from good order. This is not to say is should be banned, just that people should have the good sense not to do it. The articles' photographs have the potential to do that. Detract. Using our uniform to push a political agenda detracts.

Although I can appreciate the artistic use of photography to convey a message, these images have the potential to abuse the symbols we wear.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 9:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 21:34:16 -0400

No problem at all

Response by SGT Sarah Maxwell made Mar 12 at 2015 10:05 PM

SGT Sarah Maxwell — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 22:05:31 -0400

Most mothers in uniform don't have their children in the workplace (it's part of the Family Care Plan they sign, if they need one). However, whether they haven't hair child in the unit area or they are pumping breastmilk they are entitled to a quiet room where they may do so. As far as the question of can they take longer breaks to do so... Well, how would you feel if your breasts became engorged and started leaking everywhere because you were not allowed to take a break to pump?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2015 10:11 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 22:11:27 -0400

Aside from wondering why the kid is at work? Not really, but I've got two kids and have seen enough breasts to not lose my mind when they show up for someone else.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 12 at 2015 10:16 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 22:16:40 -0400

Like always, SMs or anyone else exposing, (private-untouchable body parts), should exercise discretion when doing certain body functions. At my advanced age, I am still mesmerized by certain female body parts.

Discretion is always a requirement doing anything in public. (unless you are Rangers contesting certain body functions in Somalia). See: 'Blackhawk Down'.

Response by SGT Jonathan Williams made Mar 13 at 2015 12:05 AM

SGT Jonathan Williams — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 00:05:33 -0400

I made sure a room was available and she had time. I think to do otherwise would be ignorant and I would be having a conversation with that leader if she or he were treating Soldier otherwise.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 7:33 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 07:33:52 -0400

My wife use to pump for the kids and I would steal it for my post workout shake, um wait...too much information?

I don't have any issues with it if they throw a blanket over. There is no place for an infant in the military workplace but if there's an issue, no babysitter, emergency, etc. I have no issues as long as it doesn't become a regular thing.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 8:19 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 08:19:55 -0400

My wife is an ex AF Pediatric Nurse and currently a practicing Family Practice NP. I think the benefits of breast feeding far outweigh some males limited view that a women should in any way be restricted from doing what she felt was in the best interest of her child. A military career coupled with motherhood is by far harder than anything I have ever had to do, I salute those strong women that are able to pull it off.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 9:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 09:55:09 -0400

and to think, one of the most read books of all times said men and women should be naked 24/7 and 365... until we ate some apple or fruit... look how times have changed.

BUT I could personally care less. If your for equal rights then if a dude wants his shirt off so should a lady. This brings me to an amazing quote:

Jack Byrnes: I have nipples, Greg, could you milk me?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 10:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:21:44 -0400

I promote breastfeeding in public. My wife currently breastfeeds our daughter and sometimes in public and I have no issue with it; Its natural and apart of live. The part on breastfeeding in uniform is a gray area because we as soldier need to look professional however at the sametime a mother has to take care of their child.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 10:37 AM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:37:52 -0400

Kids gotta eat

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 10:38 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:38:07 -0400

Give women the same concessions here that they are given in most private institutions with day care onsite.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Mar 13 at 2015 10:41 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:41:43 -0400

I don't really see why this has to be a big deal, let them do what they gotta do.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 11:37 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 11:37:35 -0400

No, but discretion is key.
Acceptable: Mother quietly excuses herself to a room not filled with "spectators"
Unacceptable: Mother feeding the baby in a restaurant at the table.
Workplace should follow same rule, out of sight out of mind. I would be happy to support with extra/longer breaks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 12:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 12:51:55 -0400

Touchy topic but here goes in most cases and I didn't check but it could be in all cases that if a mother decides to breast feed its state law that she must. She cannot be forced to do otherwise. On the other hand we do have regs and until that changes we must go with what's regulatory to us. That is all. And yes I do support extra breaks but why would she need the time because the baby shouldn't be at work with here. Unless you were referring to using the breaks to stay on schedule and pump milk?

Response by CW2 John Brookins made Mar 13 at 2015 1:12 PM

CW2 John Brookins — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 13:12:24 -0400

No problem with it. I would offer a room if the mother felt uncomfortable though.

Response by COL Randy Alicea made Mar 13 at 2015 1:20 PM

COL Randy Alicea — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 13:20:01 -0400

I have no problem at all. In the past, I have had a few soldiers with the kids in the office for several reasons. Breast-feeding is human and natural thing to do, but it needs to done in private and out of view of others.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 13 at 2015 2:00 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 14:00:27 -0400

yes I do have a problem with it, its called bearing and military Tack.... if she is on duty, what in the world does she have her kids with her? and this goes same as well for military Male who decides to bring his babies into work

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 12:13 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 00:13:44 -0400

I only have a problem when the store manager makes us leave the premises.

My bad CSM. I misread your post. You were referring to mothers nursing their infants.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Mar 14 at 2015 5:04 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 17:04:16 -0400

Maternity leave is provided for a reason. That said, I would say job dependent. If she is able to do her job while the baby is present, I don't see why not. There is a precedent set by some of the world's most powerful women, why should it not be encouraged for all.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/25/bring-baby-to-parliament_n_2012087.html

PHOTOS: Is This Charming Or Unprofessional?

How old is too old? To let your toddler play on the lawn in his skivvies? To still use a bottle? Wear a bib? Need a nap? Parents wonder, and also judge. Back when Vittoria Cerioli was

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 5:06 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 17:06:27 -0400

Yes and No

Yes: in my opinion we are expected to be professional and I feel someone may not like that, like do in her office.

No: ever mother has the right to feed their children.

Response by PO2 Jon Kuppinger made Mar 14 at 2015 5:41 PM

PO2 Jon Kuppinger — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 17:41:27 -0400

I would say if you are allowed to feed your toddler in uniform (a far more intense and messy experience for all involved) then breast feeding should be a no-brainer. If it makes you uncomfortable, you are the one with the problem and should excuse yourself, not the mother doing what comes natural.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 8:42 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 20:42:38 -0400

I have no issues with military females breastfeeding. It's the most healthy source of food for the child and provides costs savings for the family. If I had females in my formation I would be happy to provide a place for them to pump or feed if required. We make plenty of concessions for other family situations.

What I do have an issue with is the ridiculous photographs. Asking for some discretion and modesty from females is not out of line. Exposing their breasts in any other context is against the law in most states. In my opinion the photographs were taken more for the "shock value" than anything else and are frankly unprofessional.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 9:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 21:35:04 -0400

I have no problem with it. Thanks to that breast milk when I was a baby it keeps me maxing out the PT test!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 14 at 2015 10:38 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 22:38:34 -0400

No.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:29:35 -0400

Facilitate a way to make it happen, while ensuring it's not an abuse of time (i.e. Actually breastfeeding child verses taking time away from work to give formula)

My wife has/is breastfeeding our children and because of this, they have to facitate her breaks during the day to pump, since my daughter is home with me on most days.

To make an issue of this makes you a jerk. It doesn't need to be done in the middle of the Platoon Area, but knock off the insensitivity.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 10:48 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 10:48:22 -0400

Women should be allowed to breastfeed. If the child is with the mom, and she is in uniform, she doesn't lose the right to feed her child.

As for longer breaks. What about smokers? Don't they get longer, and more frequent breaks? Break times are a problem for the individual and their Chain of Command. A Service Member could take a 59 minute break every hour for all I care as long as they accomplish their task correctly.

For people who think women should cover up, being topless is something everyone should be allowed to do. Especially if one sex is allowed to be topless in public. And in plenty of places it is perfectly legal to be topless in public regardless of gender.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 23 at 2015 8:01 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 08:01:04 -0400

As long as they have a blanket that they can use to conceal it in a reasonable manner, I wouldn't have a problem with it. I suppose there is a time and a place as well -- there are circumstances where the mother would hopefully use some good judgment.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 9:00 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 09:00:52 -0400

Having thought about this more, I'm finding it surprising these type of questions come up. I think they're coming from the perspective of women in the military. But I would think that all military people are here to protect our countrymen and in particular children. If everyone would think of what's best for children, these type issues and questions go away.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 9:54 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 09:54:04 -0400

My opinion? Yes, we should be allowed to breastfeed in uniform. Should we be seeking out the opportunities to pose for photos used in journalism & calendars? No, I don't.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 23 at 2015 10:41 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 10:41:12 -0400

Would not be an issue if it was done in private. I do not think it appropriate if done in public.

No... before I get beat up... I am not anti-breast feeding, but I do think that discretion is called for, especially if one is in military uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 3:00 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 15:00:58 -0400

http://www.biznews.com/undictated/2015/05/20/is-us-military-ready-to-accommodate-breastfeeding-soldier-moms/

Not the most reliable source of information, but I really enjoyed this article.

Is US military ready for breastfeeding soldier moms? - BizNews.com

In the US, too many servicewoman who are committed to breastfeeding their babies have to confront a lot of challenges in doing that at work.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 16 at 2015 4:26 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 16:26:03 -0400

Not at all.

Response by A1C Anna Bradley made Sep 29 at 2022 7:10 AM

A1C Anna Bradley — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:10:21 -0400

Anyone with a problem with a new mother breastfeeding or pumping in uniform has a problem with themselves and should seek help. It’s a natural bodily function and to say new moms don’t deserve that right it’s like saying they don’t need to be in uniform at all. As a veteran and mother I absolutely love and hate the fact that I’m no longer serving I love spending time with my kids but part of me misses my uniform it made me feel like I was apart of something bigger and when I talk to new moms that are still serving it makes me wish I pumped in uniform postpartum depression is a real thing and believe it or not having something to do after leave is really important because yes we have anxiety about leaving our babies in daycare returning to work often times gives us the break we definitely needed but wouldn’t vocally say we wanted.