If you knew you might only be able to nurse for a few months before you might have to be separated from your baby for an extended period of time, would it be worth it to breastfeed for those few months or should you formula-feed in an attempt to spare your baby from an additional pain of separation? That’s the issue raised by a military mother on the article U.S. Military Rules for Breastfeeding Mothers. Jami wrote:
Why is it that everyone but the Air Force is at LEAST 6 months deferment – The above article and all the profiles I …read more

*** Last Updated November 11, 2008 *** Please see the notes for each branch of the U.S. military. If you have notice of updates to military breastfeeding regulations and policies, please alert me with a comment and I will be happy to keep this information up to date!
A military new mother generally receives six weeks of maternity leave starting the day she leaves the hospital. The leave can be extended upon written request along with a physician’s recommendation.
Air Force: The Air Force offers four-month deployment deferrals after the birth of a child. On May 23, 2007, Air Force Instruction …read more

Today in the United States we observe Veterans Day, which officially falls on Saturday, November 11. In honor of our veterans, let’s examine the experience of nursing mothers in the military.
*** Edited to state: I have compiled all the latest military rules regarding breastfeeding at the following link: U.S. Military Rules for Breastfeeding Mothers in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy.