Photo By 1st Lt. Taylor Graham | Fort Carson, Colo—On February 22, 2024, a significant stride was taken towards...... read more read more
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“Our first duty as leaders is to care for our Raiders and their Families. Not just checking a box but going above and beyond to care for our Soldiers as our own. The Army Lactation Room Policy was a guideline for the minimum expectations. We want to ensure mothers in the Army have more than the minimum and the proper resources needed to thrive in the workplace” – Cpt. Jane Summers, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team Medical Officer
Fort Carson, Colo—On February 22, 2024, a significant stride was taken towards supporting working mothers within the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team (1SBCT). The Brigade officially implemented its Lactation Room Policy, making it mandatory for all Battalions to establish dedicated spaces for nursing mothers during the workday. Oversight of this initiative was led by Cpt. Jane Summers, the 1SBCT Medical Officer. She diligently inspected each Battalion to ensure compliance with the Army’s "Parenthood and Pregnancy Post Partum Policy" before officially opening the lactation rooms. This progressive move reflects the Brigade's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for its servicewomen.
The Army identified that a high percentage of active-duty mothers find it challenging to balance their duties as a Soldier and a parent. To support mothers excelling in both roles, the Army identified resources required to ensure all Service Members have the opportunity to meet their personal lactation goals IAW AD 2022-06. 1SBCT took action to provide Soldiers with accessible lactation rooms to ensure that mothers can advance in their careers while growing their families.
“The Brigade reviewed the Army Policy Letter of Parenthood and Pregnancy Post Partum and created our own shortly after in accordance with the Army Directive. We disseminated the information and policy letter to Battalions on lactation room standards and conducted inspections three months later,” says Cpt. Summers.
The 1SBCT Lactation Room Policy Letter “must haves” included: a lock on the door, a room other than a bathroom, a chair, a table, an outlet, a fridge, a water source (within reasonable distance), and a central location for Soldiers to utilize.
“Many of the rooms were decorated with paint, books, changing tables, snacks, and different accommodations aside from what we listed in the Policy Letters,” says Cpt. Summers. “Our Battalions took the standard and went above and beyond.”
Soldiers are now starting to see the effects of the support given across the Brigade when it comes to parenthood and being a mother and Service Member. Sfc. Jussil Herod, a mother in 1SBCT, was one of the first to open a lactation room and see those effects unfold firsthand.
“Before lactation rooms, being a mother in the Army meant I either had to go sit in my car or drive all the way home because there was nowhere to pump at work. I knew I couldn’t be the only person struggling,” says Sfc. Jussil Herod.
“Not only does the lactation room meet Army standards but we went above and beyond to create a quality lactation room. I hope the opening of these rooms across the Brigade shows that we support breastfeeding and lactating parents. I also think it is great that the space is open to Spouses and Families.”
So, what’s next for the Raider Brigade? 1SBCT plans to continue to move forward with ensuring mothers in the workplace are afforded the resources and support needed to excel.
“I foresee future Leader Professional Development (LPD) briefs to provide all leadership the knowledge on standards in the Army’s Parenthood and Pregnancy Postpartum policy but also general information on mothers and parenthood. We will also be conducting a brigade survey to obtain feedback from females within the brigade regarding their experiences with the lactation rooms” says Cpt. Summers.
By caring for our own, the Raider Brigade fosters unity and commitment across the team. The Brigade intends to equip all Soldiers with the necessary resources, knowledge, and support to ensure that all Families receive the best care possible.
| Date Taken: | 02.27.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 03.04.2024 11:56 |
| Story ID: | 465161 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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