Active duty women’s perceptions of breast-feeding support in the military setting

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current perceptions of breast-feeding support for active duty women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Methods: An online survey based on the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale (WBSS) was used to collect data from active duty military mothers. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software to evaluate active duty women’s perceptions of breast-feeding support in the military. Results: 318 active duty women participated in the online survey. The average WBSS scores for active duty women was50.20 (SD = 15.75). Comparing WBSS scores and branch of service, women in the Army had significantly lower WBSS scores (M = 45.85) then women in the Air Force (M = 53.96, p < 0.001). Enlisted women had significantly lower scores (M = 47.12) than officers (M = 54.62, p < 0.001). Also noted were significantly lower scores of active duty women who were Hispanic (M = 44.30) and women who had lower levels of education (M = 46.90, p = 0.006). Conclusions: The Department of Defense may be able to improve breast-feeding rates for all active duty mothers by implementing and adhering to lactation policies and focusing support efforts for enlisted women in all branches of service.