MWSA Review

As the founder and former president of "The Military Writer's Society of America" (MWSA) I have reviewed well over 600 military related books over the last decade. I have never been asked to review any book in that time on "breast-feeding". I wasn't sure therefore how I would be qualified to know what constituted a well written manual for this genre. I did not even know there was a need for one. That I was so ignorant of the need leads me to think that commanders and NCOs of units with breastfeeding mothers in them do not have a clue as to the needs of their women soldiers , sailors, Marines or airmen. In fact, after reading this book ("Breastfeeding In Combat Boots: A Survival Guide to Successful breastfeeding While Serving in the Military" by Robyn Roche-Paull) I realized that we have a crisis need for such books. 

I got the education of my life - and can only assume that others will as well. This book is not just for the mothers but should be mandated for all those in leadership positions who really need to know and understand what the issues are. The author relates the problems and cites the regulations and is very specific and practical. It is obvious that this book is well researched and detailed with information for all involved. This is a manual that belongs of the office shelves of all military units. It is long over-due and in today's modern military it is needed and should be required. 

For military women having this life situation it is indispensable. The regulations are made clear and one would have to assume that if followed this would advert a lot of potential problems and misunderstanding on both sides of this issue. There is an abundance of great and very practical advice, information and details. I honestly have not read any other books on this subject matter but this book appears to cover everything one could possible have any questions about. 

I highly recommend this book - first off, for all military mothers but also for unit leaders so that everyone can work together in harmony as a team. This book will let everyone know the limits and rights of those who choose to breast-feed. This may be only a niche reading market but it is an important one and this manual needs to be recognized as breakthrough effort!

Reviewed by: Bill McDonald (2011)

Author's Synopsis

A much needed resource for active-duty mothers and mothers-to-be, who are seeking information and support on how to breastfeed successfully while serving their country.
 
Are you pregnant and in the military?  Do you want to breastfeed, but just don't know how you can combine 12 hour shifts, training exercises, or deployment with breastfeeding your baby? Author Robyn Roche-Paull answers these questions and more in Breastfeeding in Combat Boots -- A Survival Guide to Breastfeeding Successfully While Serving in the Military. As a veteran of the United States Navy, mother of three breastfed children, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and La Leche League leader, Robyn Roche-Paull has helped many active-duty mothers breastfeed their babies. She has now compiled this knowledge into a comprehensive guide to help all mothers in the military breastfeed their babies successfully. 
 
Most services now have written policies in place to support breastfeeding and direct commanders to provide a place and time for pumping milk. However, even with the policies in place, military mothers face unique circumstances that can make breastfeeding successfully a challenge. This book was written to help military mothers overcome the challenges they face so they can provide the best nutrition for their babies. Some of the topics covered include:
 
o             How do I get breastfeeding off to a good start in only six short weeks?  
o             Can I pump while in the desert for training exercises?  
o             Is my pump allowed onboard ship?  
o             Do I need to pump and dump if I've been exposed to JP-8? 
o             How do I deal with co-workers who do not support my pumping while on duty?
 
These questions and more are answered in Breastfeeding in Combat Boots! In this book, Robyn Roche-Paull provides military moms with insight into the rewarding and wonderful aspects of breastfeeding on active duty, while also giving a realistic look at the challenges that lay ahead. If you are an active-duty pregnant or breastfeeding mother or you work with active-duty mothers, this book is a must-have book for your resource library. Not only is it comprehensive and easy-to-read, it also includes many testimonials from military moms who have successfully breastfed and are happy to share their experiences!