Subj: SUPPORT OF SERVICEWOMEN WITH NURSING INFANTS
5000
13 Jan 14
TALKING PAPER
For use by (Unit Name) Staff
Subj: SUPPORT OF SERVICEWOMEN WITH NURSING INFANTS
BACKGROUND: There is a lack of designated space where servicewomen with nursing infants can pump breast milk. The Career Planner’s office is suitably serving this purpose, though serves only as a temporary solution. In the past, women have used the female head which is neither sanitary nor in compliance with Marine Corps policy concerning pregnancy and parenthood, MCO 5000.12E.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends women breastfeed at least one year, while the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of two years.
DISCUSSION: Four females from the maintenance department are pregnant and have expressed their desire to breastfeed and their need for a place to pump upon return from maternity leave. In order to keep up with their infants’ feeding demands, it is recommended that women pump breast milk as often as their infant would normally eat while the servicewoman is away. The frequency and amount of time needed to pump will vary among women depending on the age of the infant and biological factors. The average frequency could be every two to three hours for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Current policy mandates that servicewomen be afforded a clean space to pump, not a head, with access to running water.
It is important to understand that when a nursing woman misses or is late for a pumping/nursing session, this indicates to her body that the child is weaning, and thus the body decreases its milk production. A lack of command support will negatively impact the servicewoman’s ability to provide an adequate milk supply to her child. In addition, missed pumping sessions will cause physical discomfort to the breast and result in severely clogged milk ducks and flu-like symptoms, known as mastitis.
Benefits to (your unit name) by supporting nursing servicewomen include:
· Less absenteeism. Antibodies found in breast milk, not available in formula, keep a baby healthier. A healthy child positively impacts man hours as the servicewoman will need less time away from work to care for her sick child.
· A healthier mother. Breastfeeding women experience decreased instances of post-partum depression/baby blues, due to the release of oxytocin and prolactin through breastfeeding. Post-partum depression negatively impacts productivity and causes an increase in absenteeism. In the long term, breastfeeding decreases chances of breast and ovarian cancer.
· Compliance with Marine Corps height and weight standards. When compared to mothers who formula feed, mothers who breastfeed lose weight at a more rapid rate as lactation burns additional calories. This would allow our servicewomen to get back within standards sooner and within the allotted post-partum period.
· Economic considerations. All but one of our pregnant servicewomen are E-4 or below. The cost of formula is an unnecessary expense which increases financial stress. Breast milk is free while formula costs an average of $1,500 for one year.
· Increased productivity. A nursing servicewoman who feels the support of the command and is confident that she can provide for her child and can focus on the mission while she is at work.
· Increased morale. A servicewoman whose command supports and understands her needs will be more satisfied with the command climate resulting in a loyal and productive member of the unit. While a lack of support adds stress and is a cause for low morale during an already fragile post-partum period.
RECOMMENDATION: With a few accommodations and modifications, the use of a small portion of the storage space upstairs near the female head would meet the guidelines set forth as the space is secluded, can be cleaned, is near a water source, and has an electrical outlet.
To make this space useful the following items are required:
· Wall lockers and a curtain can create a private area
· A posted sign near the entrance of the pumping area notifying unnecessary personnel to stay away
· 2 chairs and a small table (obtained from the hangar)
· 1 extension cord and surge protector
· A duplicate key made and issued to each nursing servicewoman to
allow access without reliance on any other individual. This is one of the most important requirements as relying on another Marine to gain access, who may be unavailable, is cause for stress and physical discomfort. A key will allow for more than one servicewoman to use the pumping area simultaneously without knocking on the door and interrupting in order to gain access.
A small refrigerator is recommended, though not a necessity. The refrigerator would be used for milk storage and the storage of pump parts, eliminating the need to clean parts after each use. Eliminating the need to clean parts after each pumping session will save time and allow the Marine to return to work quickly.
It is not necessary to restrict authorized personnel from performing their duties in the storage area, so long as privacy of the designated pumping space behind the wall lockers is respected.
ACTION OFFICER: Your name and rank
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PRIVACY SENSITIVE:
ANY MISUSE OR UNAUTHORIZED DISCLOSURE MAY RESULT IN BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES
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