U.S. Coast Guard
Parental Leave & Lactation Policies
Printable FAQ Info Sheets
Family Care Plan
Applicable to all service branches.
Family Care Plan requirements:
Servicemembers who give birth to or adopt a child are granted a four-month deferment from duty away from home station.
DODI 1342.19
Pregnancy Discrimination
DOD Military Equal Opportunity (MEO)Program
The DOD, through the DOD MEO Program, will:
(1) Ensure that Service members are treated with dignity and respect and are afforded equal opportunity in an environment free from prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Parental Leave
Maternity Convalescent Leave: 42 days
Primary Caregiver Leave: 42 days
Secondary Caregiver Leave: 21 days
Temporary Separation
Temporary Separation for Care of Newborn Children allows servicemembers to take a one-time, two-year voluntary separation from Active Duty to care for a newborn child, with return to same-pay grade and benefits.
Breastfeeding
When possible, Commanding Officers/Officers in Charge will ensure use of a private, clean room for expressing breastmilk during the workday.
U.S. Coast Guard supervisor guidance for civilian employees
Postpartum
U.S. Coast Guard personnel are exempt from weight and body fat standards during pregnancy and if breastfeeding for 12 months postpartum.
Deployment
U.S. Coast Guard personnel are deferred from deployment for six months postpartum.
Breastmilk Shipment
Breastmilk Shipment Program sponsored by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA).
The Breast Milk Shipment (BMS) Expense reimbursement program is available to the following members of Team Coast Guard:
Active Duty, all grades, to include Public Health Service Officers and Chaplains attached to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Reservists, all grades, on Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS).
Spouses of Active Duty and Reservists on ADOS. Spouses must verify that they shipped the milk while traveling on business for their job.
U.S. Coast Guard Civilian Employees.
U.S. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) reimbursement program for the shipment of breast milk.
Breastfeeding in Uniform
Maternity Uniform Chart
Summary of existing allowances for maternity uniforms
(not all uniform pieces will be available in all locations)
Uniform Nursing & Maternity Shirts
Looking for a TRICARE-Covered Breastpump?
Premium quality breastpumps are available for FREE to those eligible through TRICARE.