Whether or not to breastfeed is among the first choices a mother makes in the life of her child. Research shows breast milk can help protect against childhood illnesses and infections and could lessen the chance of developing Type 1 diabetes.

“If you have a family history of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, then [this is] the best start for your infant,” said Theresa Hart, a nurse consultant and program manager for perinatal, pediatrics and special medical programs at the Defense Health Agency.

On June 8, TRICARE announced it is expanding coverage of breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies effective July 1, 2015. This, Hart said, is a reflection of the Military Health System’s (MHS) concerted effort to focus on healthy living. “In terms of the issues we care about, MHS is going ‘from health care to health,’” said Hart. “That is what breastfeeding is. It is a prevention strategy.”

On June 18, Hart will discuss breastfeeding and the new TRICARE policy at a breastfeeding summit in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.

Along with breast pumps and supplies, TRICARE’s new policy also covers outpatient lactation consults with a TRICARE authorized provider, such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or registered nurse. The supplies and services require a prescription and will be covered at no cost and with no co-pays to new parents retroactive to Dec. 19, 2014.  The anticipated implementation date, July 1, will give TRICARE’s managed care support contractors time to review and implement the policy. Check TRICARE.mil for updates about the scheduled implementation.

Breast pumps and supplies were previously only covered for premature children, but now, says Hart, any birth is covered. “Breastfeeding has wonderful benefits for both mother and infant. It is optimal nutrition for human infants for both body and brain development.” This is why it’s such a natural fit for the MHS’s focus on healthy living for active duty service members and their families.

The provision to cover breastfeeding supplies, support and counseling was established in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015; hence, the effective date of the policy is retroactive to Dec. 19, 2014.

Hart said support for breastfeeding is consistent with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Healthy People 2020 campaign, and with the HHS Blueprint for Action on Breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of an infant’s life (for most children) and that breastfeeding continue for at least the first year as foods are introduced.

“Now that breastfeeding support is considered preventive care, we are able to do more to support healthy lifestyles.

Learn more about the TRICARE policy change.

Take part in TRICARE’s Facebook Town Hall to learn about this benefit change at 1 p.m., June 22, 2015.