“Mission Ready Begins at Home” is the 2026 theme for Military Lactation Celebration during National Breastfeeding Month, highlighting how military readiness and resilience start with strong, foundational feeding support for families.
Military families deserve support that recognizes the unique realities of service—from deployments and relocations to navigating TRICARE, VA benefits, and lactation accommodations. Here are resources to help military and veteran families find community, care, and support.
🤝 Peer & Community Support
- Global Military Lactation Community: Peer support, local chapters, and Military Lactation Counselor training. https://globalmilcom.org/
- Military Birth Resource Network & Postpartum Coalition: Directory of military-vetted doulas, IBCLCs, and childbirth educators. https://militarybirthresourcenetwork.org/
- Mom2Mom Global / Breastfeeding in Combat Boots: Peer support and military-specific breastfeeding resources. https://www.mom2momglobal.org/
- Modern Military Association of America: LGBTQ+ military and family advocacy. https://modernmilitary.org/
- National Association of Black Military Women: Support and mentorship for Black military women. https://nabmw.org/
🩺 Healthcare & Benefits
- TRICARE Childbirth & Breastfeeding Support: Information on covered doula and IBCLC services. https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/ChildbirthBreastfeedingSupport
- VA Women Veterans Health Care: Women’s healthcare and maternity resources. https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/
- Women Veterans Call Center: Help navigating VA healthcare and benefits: 855-829-6636.
- TRICARE Breast Pump Benefit: Information on covered breast pumps and supplies. https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/BreastPumps
📋 Military Policies & Local Support
- DoD Lactation Directives: Guidance on lactation accommodations and protected pumping time. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/corig/
- Joint Travel Regulations: Information related to official travel and shipping breast milk. https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/travelreg.cfm
- Military OneSource: Find local New Parent Support Programs at your installation. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
Celebrate military lactation, connect with community, and know that support is available.