IT1 Krystina Silva

U.S. Navy

Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command Commanding Officer Capt. Julia Slattery celebrated the opening of the newly renovated nursing mother’s suite on Dec. 7 in Suffolk.

The new nursing mother’s suite offers comfortable and private spaces to pump for breastfeeding moms. It can accommodate up to four moms at one time with a washroom, a refrigerator to store their breast milk, and sanitizing equipment all in one location.

The Department of the Navy’s newest policy on pregnancy and parenthood is to support military servicewomen who choose to breastfeed and provides comprehensive guidance for the management and considerations associated with pregnancy and parenthood.

The existing room was not sufficient to a growing demand. To better support the workforce, NCDOC renovated its old wardroom to support a larger number of nursing mothers and to meet the standards of a nursing mother’s room.

“Breastfeeding should be a personal decision and should not be based on facility accommodation or the lack thereof,” said Slattery.

NCDOC shares the building with Naval Network Warfare Command. The suite is accessible to all active duty, reservist and civilian personnel who are breastfeeding. So far, the suite has been well received and used by numerous active duty breastfeeding moms.

“Before, it was such a small space. It was very difficult to relax, especially when you hear people going to the bathroom right next door, or when there were three of us cramped into this little tiny room trying desperately to not look at each other. It was very awkward and embarrassing. I can’t tell you how thankful we are for this. This is so much better,” stated Cryptologic Technician Networks Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittni Riley.

A soon-to-be nursing mom and active duty service member, Cryptologic Technician Networks Petty Officer 2nd Class Savanah Turner, stated, “It is really advantageous to have a commanding officer who understands and has experienced the challenges of not only being a pregnant servicemember but also a nursing servicemember.”

NCDOC’s mission is to execute defensive cyberspace operations and enable global power projection through proactive network defense and reports operationally to U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet.

For news and information from NCDOC, Commander Task Force 1020, visit www.navycyberwarriors.com or follow us on Facebook @NavyCyberWarriors.