Military Moms Breastfeeding in Uniform

[secretlyevil]

shine.yahoo.com/parenting/military-moms-breastfeeding-uniform-stir-controversey-214500503.html

Military Moms Breastfeeding in Uniform Stir Controversy

At a time when breastfeeding in public is already controversial, pictures of two military moms doing so while wearing their uniforms is sparking outrage.

The photo is part of a local breastfeeding awareness campaign by Mom2Mom of Fairchild Air Force Base, a support group launched in January by Crystal Scott, a military spouse and mother of three. Among the intimate close-ups of smiling young mothers cuddling their adorable babies, the images of the two airmen stand out.

Related: Moms react to the "Time" magazine's "Are You Mom enough?" breastfeeding cover

"People are comparing breastfeeding in uniform to urinating and defecating in uniform. They're comparing it to the woman who posed in "Playboy" in uniform [in 2007]" Scott told Yahoo! Shine in an interview. "We never expected it to be like this."

"I'm an X-ray tech and I breastfeed in my uniform all the time," Scott says. "Granted they're scrubs. But people do it all the time in their uniforms. If you have a hungry baby, why would you take the time to change completely?"

Terran Echegoyen-McCabe, a member of the Air National Guard who was photographed in uniform nursing her 10-month-old twin daughters, says that she's surprised by the reaction to the photos.

"I have breastfed in our lobby, in my car, in the park ... and I pump, usually in the locker room," she told the "Today" show, adding that she usually nurses her babies while on her lunch break during drill weekends. "I'm proud to be wearing a uniform while breast-feeding. I'm proud of the photo and I hope it encourages other women to know they can breastfeed whether they're active duty, guard or civilian."

All of the women in the photos volunteered to appear in the awareness campaign, and Echegoyen-McCabe is featured -- wearing civilian clothing -- in a few of the other candid shots. None of the photos are posed; the women are simply feeding their babies the way they usually do. But even though some of the other photographs are just as revealing, only the ones of Echegoyen-McCabe and her friend Christina Luna in uniform have been criticized.

"The Air Force has never endorsed these photos," the photographer, Brynja Sigurdardottir points out on her website, where she posted several other photos from the Mom2Mom campaign. "These women just happen to be in the Air Force, in their uniform, breastfeeding their babies."

When it comes to talking about breastfeeding in public, comparing it to other bodily functions -- and even sex -- is common, in spite of the fact that breastfeeding is legal and protected while defecating or having sex in public is not. But the fact that two of the moms are shown breastfeeding in public while wearing military uniforms makes the entire controversy more complicated. The Army, for example, didn't even come up with a combat uniform for women until 2010, so accepting the idea of a uniformed soldier breastfeeding a baby may be especially jarring. And the uniforms themselves come with their own sets of rules.

According to Military Spouse Central, public displays of affection -- even something as innocuous as holding hands -- are not allowed while wearing a military uniform. Also forbidden while in uniform: eating, drinking, or talking on a cell phone while walking, carrying an umbrella that's not black, and (in some cases) smoking or even chewing gum. While there is no policy that addresses breastfeeding in uniform, Air Force spokesperson Captain Rose Richeson told MSNBC: "Airmen should be mindful of their dress and appearance and present a professional image at all times while in uniform." Military moms who are still breastfeeding are encouraged to pump and bottle-feed their babies while they're in uniform.

Scott suggests that the issue might have less to do with the uniform and more to do with our own internal conflicts. "I think a lot of people think that you can't be a mom and be a soldier," she says. "This is not something that's out of norm for them. They breastfeed in uniform all the time -- it's just not something that's usually captured on film."

[MrsDL]

May 31, 2012 7:33:28 GMT -5 @majorwife said:

May 31, 2012 7:28:28 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

According to Military Spouse Central, public displays of affection -- even something as innocuous as holding hands -- are not allowed while wearing a military uniform. Also forbidden while in uniform: eating, drinking, or talking on a cell phone while walking, carrying an umbrella that's not black, and (in some cases) smoking or even chewing gum. While there is no policy that addresses breastfeeding in uniform, Air Force spokesperson Captain Rose Richeson told MSNBC: "Airmen should be mindful of their dress and appearance and present a professional image at all times while in uniform." Military moms who are still breastfeeding are encouraged to pump and bottle-feed their babies while they're in uniform.

really?!

and for the just pump - spoken like someone who has never had to pump.

That was my first thought as well. Secondly, nursing is about more than just feeding your baby, it's about the bonding as well. It's not something that military women should be deprived of if that's what they want, nor should their children who are already forced to make great sacrifices if their parents serve.

[charminglife]

May 31, 2012 7:28:28 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

Scott suggests that the issue might have less to do with the uniform and more to do with our own internal conflicts. "I think a lot of people think that you can't be a mom and be a soldier," she says. "This is not something that's out of norm for them. They breastfeed in uniform all the time -- it's just not something that's usually captured on film."

I think this line captures the issue perfectly.

[crazytalk]

So they'd prefer the military moms to pump in public (in their uniforms) and then bottle feed? I mean, women are nursing in their uniforms and in public because that's where they are when the baby is hungry and their breasts are full. Giving a bottle at that moment doesn't help the fullness, as your breasts "expect" to be emptied when the baby is fed. Plus you'd have to give them 3 times as long to accomplish all that.

[mollymoe]

I don't understand why you are biased because a friend got knocked up in the marines. Are you saying she shouldn't have gotten pregnant because she was currently in the military? Not all members of the military are out fighting. I had a friend in the Air Force and she worked in a dental office. Is that a waste of money? I just don't understand your #3.

[Deleted]

I'm sure there are plenty of women who breastfeed, in uniforn no less. But given that you are supposed to wear your uniform a certain way at all times I don't think one should be breastfeeding in public in uniform.

I seriously doubt there aren't any semi private places on post for one to breastfeed their baby.

But if everyone else has to keep their sleeves rolled down, shirt tucked in, cover on when outdoors, having your shirt under your chin for any reason seems a little much.

Also, there are other ways to serve in the military besides firing a gun and pregnancy is a temporary condition. It seems silly to lose a well trained service member for a short term issue. In fact, given that women are still barred from combat arms, I'd hazard to guess most pregnant servicemembers can do their job just fine while pregnant, deployment aside.

[pixy0stix]

Dude, special treatment while on duty? You realize that it's FEDERAL LAW that all women be accommodated so that they can breastfeed, right? What the hell are they in the military for if they can't get the same freedoms they are working to protect?

Really, I came in to say "whoops didn't see this posted" when I asked my question about uniforms, now I'm all fired up.

[eliseb0323]

There are a lot of things you can't do in public in uniform, and everyone in the military knows what the rules are. I can't imagine anyone having a problem with someone in uniform breastfeeding in a nursing room (like they have at the Pentagon and on many bases) or anywhere private. The real issue is going to be these women appearing on a poster breastfeeding in public in uniform.

[Deleted]

May 31, 2012 8:59:20 GMT -5 @habbsies said:

I'm sure there are plenty of women who breastfeed, in uniforn no less. But given that you are supposed to wear your uniform a certain way at all times I don't think one should be breastfeeding in public in uniform.

I seriously doubt there aren't any semi private places on post for one to breastfeed their baby.

But if everyone else has to keep their sleeves rolled down, shirt tucked in, cover on when outdoors, having your shirt under your chin for any reason seems a little much.

Also, there are other ways to serve in the military besides firing a gun and pregnancy is a temporary condition. It seems silly to lose a well trained service member for a short term issue. In fact, given that women are still barred from combat arms, I'd hazard to guess most pregnant servicemembers can do their job just fine while pregnant, deployment aside.

this is where i am, pretty much exactly.

ETA: the histrionic "omg, it's like urinating or appearing in playboy" is ridiculous. it's like carrying an elmo umbrella while eating a sub on the lawn in front of your office. minor, but not cool with the rules.

[eliseb0323]

May 31, 2012 7:50:25 GMT -5 MrsDL said:

May 31, 2012 7:33:28 GMT -5 @majorwife said:

really?!

and for the just pump - spoken like someone who has never had to pump.

That was my first thought as well. Secondly, nursing is about more than just feeding your baby, it's about the bonding as well. It's not something that military women should be deprived of if that's what they want, nor should their children who are already forced to make great sacrifices if their parents serve.

I don't think anyone is trying to tell women in the military not to BF. The issue is whether it's appropriate in public, IN UNIFORM. There are nursing/pumping rooms in many military work places.

[crazytalk]

Here's the question - are they allowed to hold their baby and bottle feed while in uniform? If that's not disallowed under the "no PDA" rule, then breastfeeding shouldn't be disallowed either. Breastfeeding is no more or less professional, to use their word, than bottle feeding, rocking, holding, etc. your infant.

[Deleted]

May 31, 2012 9:06:14 GMT -5 crazytalk said:

Here's the question - are they allowed to hold their baby and bottle feed while in uniform? If that's not disallowed under the "no PDA" rule, then breastfeeding shouldn't be disallowed either. Breastfeeding is no more or less professional, to use their word, than bottle feeding, rocking, holding, etc. your infant.

Except that none of these actions interferes with how you're wearing your uniform.

I mean one's top is supposed to be zipped up at all times and only one triangle of your tee showing. Obviously, breastfeeding jacks with that in a way that holding or bottlefeeding your infant doesn't.

[Deleted]

May 31, 2012 9:06:14 GMT -5 crazytalk said:

Here's the question - are they allowed to hold their baby and bottle feed while in uniform? If that's not disallowed under the "no PDA" rule, then breastfeeding shouldn't be disallowed either. Breastfeeding is no more or less professional, to use their word, than bottle feeding, rocking, holding, etc. your infant.

bottle feeding does not require a rearranging of the uniform in the way breastfeeding does. and it's not "allowed" or "disallowed" in sum total, it's whether its permissible in public.

i'm a liberal softie, the opposite of a hawk, and extremely pro-breastfeeding, but i see the military position on this as nbd.

[pixy0stix]

I can understand "why" the picture shouldn't have been taken. I'm seriously appalled at the general public's reaction. Tax payer dollars paying their salaries my left butt cheek.

[Deleted]

Oh ffs, there are decidedly few military jobs where you won't deploy. Was she a dumbass who probably shouldn't have gotten pregnant, sure but unless she deliberately got knocked up to skip out on an impending deployment, I can't summon up the energy to care.

[pixy0stix]

May 31, 2012 9:21:39 GMT -5 @littlemoxie said:

If you're a soldier, I don't think your engorged boobs and/or wanting to bond with your kid should interfere with your ability to represent the US as it believes it should be represented.

Did you seriously just say this? I didn't realize having a child hampered anyone's ability to do their job in a professional manner.

Although, you're right, the majority of the US is complete assclowns to working mothers, so they wouldn't want to be represented by a lactating mother.

[ttt]

My question is, how often are military women in uniform and taking care of their babies at the same time? Don't they generally wear their uniforms to work and not while, say, out at the shopping mall or at the park?

[crazytalk]

May 31, 2012 9:23:24 GMT -5 @habbsies said:

Oh ffs, there are decidedly few military jobs where you won't deploy. Was she a dumbass who probably shouldn't have gotten pregnant, sure but unless she deliberately got knocked up to skip out on an impending deployment, I can't summon up the energy to care.

Agreed. Andplus, if you want to attract more people - and more women specifically - into the military, you won't have policies or practices specifically precluding them from very basic human situations like pregnancy, motherhood, and breastfeeding. Sure, if you want to make it as difficult and unpleasant as possible for the average young woman to join, go for it. But I can't imagine that's their goal.

And re: the uniform while BFing thing.... I see your point. I was looking at it more from the angle of not being allowed to walk and use the phone at the same time while in uniform, hold hands with someone, or eat while walking.... the whole "unprofessional" aspect of it.

ETA: if the military spokesperson wanted to compare it to a mussed up uniform, they should have done that. They shouldn't have compared it to walking and talking on the phone or holding hands.

[pixy0stix]

Tsk. That mom is SO unprofessional.

::turns head and wipes away tears::

[Deleted]

May 31, 2012 9:26:44 GMT -5 ttt said:

My question is, how often are military women in uniform and taking care of their babies at the same time? Don't they generally wear their uniforms to work and not while, say, out at the shopping mall or at the park?

Depends on the branch. When my mom was in the navy, I only saw uniforms in the express lane of the commissary, the gas station, and convenience stores.

It was jarring to me when I started hanging around army bases and seeing uniforms at the mall at 8pm at night.

[ttt]

May 31, 2012 9:30:35 GMT -5 @habbsies said:

May 31, 2012 9:26:44 GMT -5 ttt said:

My question is, how often are military women in uniform and taking care of their babies at the same time? Don't they generally wear their uniforms to work and not while, say, out at the shopping mall or at the park?

Depends on the branch. When my mom was in the navy, I only saw uniforms in the express lane of the commissary, the gas station, and convenience stores.

It was jarring to me when I started hanging around army bases and seeing uniforms at the mall at 8pm at night.

Hmm...

I guess this doesn't really bother me if women don't really need to be in uniform with their babies very often. How often are they going to be in a situation where they're out for hours in uniform with their infants and *need* to breastfeed in public? I don't see that this rule is placing a significant burden on women.

The military is different. They have their own rules and laws even, so unless they're throwing women in prison for breastfeeding while in uniform, it doesn't really offend me that they're saying this is against the uniform code.

[Deleted]

I think we're getting away from the point here. The military does accomodate pregnant and nursing women and as far as I know, women aren't getting in trouble for breastfeeding their kids nor are they prevented from doing so. I also imagine they are given adequate pumping breaks.

The only exception here is deployment. And I'm pretty sure I've heard they won't deploy you until your baby is either three or four months old.

[eliseb0323]

May 31, 2012 9:35:06 GMT -5 asdfjkl said:

May 31, 2012 8:28:23 GMT -5 @littlemoxie said:

But the children making great sacrifices are due to their parent's choices. So I don't think the onus is on the military to accomodate.

Oh no you didn't. That is complete bullshit. The military is a job. A government job. But a job just the same. Breastfeeding accommodations are as necessary in the military as they are in any other job and children of military parents have just as much entitlement (ENTITLEMENT) to be breastfed as any other kid in this country. Lots of people make choices about jobs. I chose to be a lawyer, I have girlfriends who are pharmacists, teachers, principals, actresses, real estate agents... If every profession in this country got to tell women "if you want to breastfeed, go join a profession that accommodates breastfeeding" there would not be a single profession in this country that accommodated breastfeeding.

I mean, shit, Obamacare requires companies over 50 employees to make accommodations for *pumping* and corporate america is grousing about that. Now the military says, "You may not breastfeed in uniform"?! What the mother fuck?!? You've got mothers who will be saying good bye to 7 month olds at the airport so that they can fly to the clusterfuck that is Afghanistan for a year and now, they can't nurse that baby at the airport? And the response to that is, "Well, don't join the military." Seriously?!?

You can't deploy if you are nursing. Soldiers are not nursing their babies and then jumping on a plane to Afghanistan.

[pixy0stix]

May 31, 2012 9:38:20 GMT -5 @habbsies said:

I think we're getting away from the point here. The military does accomodate pregnant and nursing women and as far as I know, women aren't getting in trouble for breastfeeding their kids nor are they prevented from doing so. I also imagine they are given adequate pumping breaks.

Mostly, we're responding to the "ZOMG I pay for her to breastfeed!" comments in this thread.

[redheadbaker]

Team crazytalk (ETA: and sbp). I just don't see the big deal about "Oh noes! The uniform is out of place for 20 minutes in public!"

[Deleted]

May 31, 2012 9:35:41 GMT -5 ttt said:

Hmm...

I guess this doesn't really bother me if women don't really need to be in uniform with their babies very often. How often are they going to be in a situation where they're out for hours in uniform with their infants and *need* to breastfeed in public? I don't see that this rule is placing a significant burden on women.

The military is different. They have their own rules and laws even, so unless they're throwing women in prison for breastfeeding while in uniform, it doesn't really offend me that they're saying this is against the uniform code.

Yeah, they don't. I see this only being an issue while sitting around waiting to deploy, mandatory fun deals where you are required to be in uniform, and taking a couple hours off in the middle of the day to take your kid to the doctor and planning to return to work after shots.

Otherwise, you'd just go home and change.

[karinothing]

May 31, 2012 9:35:41 GMT -5 ttt said:

May 31, 2012 9:30:35 GMT -5 @habbsies said:

Depends on the branch. When my mom was in the navy, I only saw uniforms in the express lane of the commissary, the gas station, and convenience stores.

It was jarring to me when I started hanging around army bases and seeing uniforms at the mall at 8pm at night.

Hmm...

I guess this doesn't really bother me if women don't really need to be in uniform with their babies very often. How often are they going to be in a situation where they're out for hours in uniform with their infants and *need* to breastfeed in public? I don't see that this rule is placing a significant burden on women.

The military is different. They have their own rules and laws even, so unless they're throwing women in prison for breastfeeding while in uniform, it doesn't really offend me that they're saying this is against the uniform code.

I would think it could be common in my area (D.C). I work near a DOD building and there is a daycare here and a Target. I often see military members in uniform taking care of kids and running errands. I just feel like I see folks walking around in uniforms a lot at all times of day.

Anyway, has anyone pointed out that the military hasn't come out and said this is against uniform code. One spokeperson for the airforce says women need to pump. Does one spokeperson = the entire military's official position?

[Deleted]

mrdobalina, I'd bet money that's returning given that it looks like an airport terminal. I'd also bet money it's midtour and not the end of a deployment.

[brit1017]

At this point, going to ditto sbp. Every point that I had, she formulate more thoroughly and articulately that I could have.

I guess that I just don't see BF as "unprofessional". I put feeding your child under a different category than using a cell phone. And while I think that they should go somewhere private if possible (and I'm sure most do), I don't think that it should be the end of the world if they can't.

[crazytalk]

May 31, 2012 9:56:35 GMT -5 brit1017 said:

I guess that I just don't see BF as "unprofessional". I put feeding your child under a different category than using a cell phone. And while I think that they should go somewhere private if possible (and I'm sure most do), I don't think that it should be the end of the world if they can't.

I agree with this - and I think that the military should be happy this damn picture came out, with the women breastfeeding in uniform, looking all content about it. It's good press for chrissakes. The fact that they're comparing it to a dumbass slob with his shirt untucked and dribbling ketchup from his hotdog onto his uniform is ridiculous.

(yes I'm taking liberties with that picture I painted. Sue me.)