Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves are a regular part of life for military families. However, these moves can be stressful, especially for active-duty breastfeeding mothers concerned about maintaining their breast milk supply for their babies during this stressful period. The Department of Defense (DoD) has taken a significant step to alleviate this concern by offering reimbursement for shipping breast milk during PCS moves.
As of the June 2024 Joint Travel Regulation (JTR) update, the DoD will reimburse up to $1,000 for shipping breast milk during a PCS move. This initiative is in part a broader effort to support service members and their families through all the challenges of military life, acknowledging this unique challenge.
This reimbursement covers the costs of shipping breast milk to the service member’s new duty station, including dry ice, excess baggage fees, and shipping costs for active-duty nursing mothers. The reimbursement does not cover containers for storing breastmilk – that is a different benefit through TRICARE for pump parts and bags. This is particularly beneficial for families undergoing long-distance moves, including OCONUS moves, or those where the service member has to travel ahead of the family. By ensuring a steady supply of breast milk, this program helps maintain the health and well-being of infants and reduces the stress on breastfeeding mothers while maintaining their milk supply.
To qualify for the reimbursement, service members must provide documentation of their PCS orders and receipts for the shipping expenses. The process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring that service members can quickly be reimbursed and access the financial support they need.
This new policy is a welcome change for many in the military community. Breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for infants, including essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect against infections. For mothers, breastfeeding can promote faster postpartum recovery and reduce the risk of certain cancers, diabetes and high blood pressure. By supporting breastfeeding through this reimbursement program, the DoD contributes to the overall health of military families.
The decision to reimburse shipping costs for breast milk aligns with the DoD’s ongoing efforts to enhance family support services. It acknowledges the critical role that family well-being plays in service members’ readiness and morale. This initiative is expected to be especially helpful for dual-military families and single-parent service members who may face additional logistical challenges during PCS moves.
In conclusion, the DoD’s reimbursement for breast milk shipping during PCS moves is a significant step forward in supporting military families. It alleviates a specific stressor for breastfeeding mothers, ensuring their babies can continue receiving the best possible nutrition during transitions. This policy benefits the health of infants and mothers and underscores the DoD’s commitment to the well-being of its service members and their families.
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