Military Mom Breastfeeding

By U.S. ArmyAugust 11, 2014

Snuggly baby
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Full tummy and nap time
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Mother, 1st Lt. Danielle Savoye of Tripler Army Medical Center, shows off five month old, Kevin Savoye, born September 4, 2013, who upon finishing nursing fell asleep. To help celebrate National Breastfeeding month throughout the month of August, Sav... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

As Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) recognizes National Breastfeeding Month throughout the month of August, military mothers share their experiences of breastfeeding and returning back to work. 1st Lt. Danielle Savoye, of TAMC, shares her story:

As a registered nurse, I know the importance of breastfeeding your child as long as possible.

Its healthy for you, healthy for baby, enhances bonding and more.

I've heard horror stories about it, struggles of the work-day, and fitting in time to pump.

I had also heard a wonderful story of how it is a chance to think about your child and to focus on relaxing and 'feeding' him or her.

I didn't think about the possibility of not being able to breastfeed...until my son was in my arms and we were trying to figure it out.

I'm one of the lucky ones, I'm told, whose child was able to latch fairly easily without much pain...but fears of doing it improperly and leaving my son without enough nutrition...plagued me.

Before I discharged from the hospital though, I had had a discussion with one of Tripler's lactation consultants: Brenda Willey.

She was able to ease my fears, correct a small error in my son's latch, and gave me a point of contact for questions and concerns which popped up later as I returned to work.

As a mother it was not difficult to decide to breastfeed, but as an active duty nurse here at Tripler...it was.

It was very difficult that first day back, I hadn't been away from my son for more than a few hours and the 'practice pumping' and milk I had stored so far was not a very large amount.

I was very impressed with the two private pumping rooms that Tripler has provided for patients, staff and visitors.

A comfortable chair, sink, and power supply combined with a locked door and minimal noise really helped me to relax.

Some women can type or eat or accomplish other tasks while pumping, but I found I was not one of them.

I also found the pumping more painful than my son.

The Tripler lactation staff was easy to get a hold of to remedy that situation quickly, and had lots of advice for keeping up milk supply as well.

Squeezing in the time to pump remained difficult, but I'm very glad for the other military mothers and fathers here who understand and actively encourage taking the time for it.

My experience has been easier (I can imagine), compared to those who had to go to the field or go to training events, but it has been one that has shown me that it takes full support from those you work with and for.

I couldn't have fed my son for as long as I did without the support I received from my coworkers and leadership.

I am very grateful and though my son is weaned now, I am proud that we were able to do it for 10 months and will always remember it fondly.