Breastfeeding in the Military: Part I. Information and Resources Provided to Service Women

Abstract

Increasing the incidence and duration of breastfeeding is a major goal in Healthy People 2010. Little is known about the progress that the Department of Defense (DoD) health care system, TRICARE, has made toward reaching that goal. This study is the first of a two-part series that reviews DoD/TRICARE support for breastfeeding and discusses policy issues related to breastfeeding. Methods used include searches of MEDLINE, DoD/TRICARE documents, legislative and policy websites, and the Internet. A survey of DoD hospitals was also conducted. Based on the search results and survey, TRICARE may not be meeting the goals of Healthy People 2010. There is minimal policy guidance regarding breastfeeding. Programs are in place at most hospitals, but the quality and content varies greatly. After mothers return to work, support is meager. DOD/TRICARE may need to establish written policy guidelines and devote additional resources to adequately support breastfeeding.