Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

12-2025

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

First Committee Member

Shannon Maloney, PHD

Second Committee Member

Michelle Strong, PHD, MPH

Third Committee Member

Melissa Tibbits, PHD

Abstract

In January 2022, the Department of Defense launched a five-year pilot program called the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration. This demonstration aimed to cover lactation services for Tricare beneficiaries. This project included an electronic survey and was created and completed by 577 participants. Eligible participants needed to have given birth in the last 24 months and have TRICARE as their primary insurance. Participants completed this survey to help understand if they were aware of lactation benefits, if they utilized the service, and if it improved their breastfeeding experience.

Out of the 577 participants, 485 were eligible for the project. Eligible participants needed to have given birth in the last 24 months and have TRICARE as their primary insurance. The survey responses were analyzed to determine the percentages for each response.

After the results were analyzed, we learned that 54.75% of participants utilized their lactation benefits, and 45.25% did not. Out of those who did not utilize this benefit, 33.26% were unaware that this service was available to them. Many participants expressed a disconnect between their providers and understanding TRICARE benefits.

Encouraging providers to have a better understanding of TRICARE benefits available to families through the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration could increase referrals and usage of the benefit, positively impacting breastfeeding initiation and duration.

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