Pregnancy Availability and Assignment Procedures, and Separations
Upon official command notification of pregnancy and a submission of reassignment availability, pregnant Sailors will be re-assigned to fill a valid manpower requirement. Operational deferment (shore duty) orders will be written for a minimum of 24 months with a detach date approximately 30-days from receipt of the availability report. Once shore orders are executed, Sailors will be expected to complete their shore tour regardless of pregnancy status.
Pregnant Sailors serving in a sea duty billet will receive operational deferment orders and be transferred to a shore duty billet to fill a valid manpower requirement, wherever possible. Pregnant Sailors assigned to shore duty that are within 13-months of their Projected Rotation Date (PRD) may extend onboard their current command or move to another command within the geographic location to fill a valid manpower requirement.
Pregnant Sailors may request a waiver to remain onboard operational commands for the duration of the pregnancy and postpartum period to include any convalescent and parental leave. Additional information on waivers to remain onboard can be found in OPNAVINST 6000.1D and NAVADMIN 006/24.
Pregnant Service members may request separation due to pregnancy after obtaining a certification of pregnancy from a physician assigned to a military treatment facility. The Navy does not generally consider pregnancy on active duty or reserve an impediment for continued service. Therefore, a request will normally be denied, unless it is determined to be in the best interest of the Navy, or if the member demonstrates compelling factors of personal need as outlined in MILPERSMAN 1910-112.
For assistance or further information, please contact PERS-454 or the requisite detailer.
References:
PERS-454 Point of Contact for Pregnancy Placement
Email: PREGAVAIL-TLD@NAVY.MIL
Commercial: (901) 874-3867, ext. 1
Leave
Sailors and their family members are an integral part of our Navy Force, and parental leave policies provide needed time for our Navy families to bond. In most cases, Sailors who experience qualifying events, like birth and adoption, will be authorized 12 weeks of parental leave to care for their newborn, adopted or placed child or children. OPNAV N130C is the central policy office that can provide clarification of policy, provide policy determinations, and assist with general inquiries relating to parental leave policies.
Policies and Instructions
N130C Point of Contact for Parental Leave Policies
Email: NXAG_N130C@NAVY.MIL
Uniforms
Per OPNAVINST 6000.1D, maternity uniforms are mandatory for pregnant Sailors when regular uniforms no longer fit properly. Enlisted Sailors can receive a maternity uniform clothing allowance upon presenting a NAVPERS 1336/3 Special Request Chit and pregnancy notification to their personnel support detachment through their command pay and personnel administrative support system coordinator. OPNAV N13X (Uniform Matters Office) is the central policy office that maintains and interprets the Navy Uniform Regulations, and monitors implementation of uniform policies.
OPNAV N13X (UMO), in conjunction with the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) launched the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program (MPP) to issue maternity uniforms to a select number of eligible Sailors on a temporary basis and at no cost to the Sailor. This program can be utilized by all Sailors, regardless of rank, who have not received nor intend to receive a maternity clothing allowance during the period of pregnancy and while participating in the MPP program.
Policies and Instructions
N13X UMO Point of Contact for Uniform and MPP Policies
Email: umo_cmc@navy.mil
Physical Readiness
Pregnancy or postpartum Sailors are exempt from participating in the PFA, to include BCA and PRT, from the time a pregnancy is confirmed by a Health Care Provider until the end of 12 months following the qualified birth event. Physical Readiness Program Guide 8 details how to manage PFA Records for pregnant and postpartum Sailors.
The U.S. Navy Pregnancy and Postpartum Physical Training & Nutrition Guidebook provides physical training and nutrition guidance for pregnant and postpartum Servicewomen. Physical activity and good nutrition are integral to maintaining your overall health and fitness, and equally contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
OPNAV N171 is the central policy office that establishes Navy physical readiness standards, policy, and requirements for the Navy’s Physical Readiness Program (PRP).
Policies and Instructions
N171 Points of Contact for Physical Readiness Program (PRP) Instructions or PRIMS
PRP Email: PRP@navy.mil
PRIMS email: PRIMS@navy.mil
Commercial: (901) 874-2210
DSN: 882-2210
Breastfeeding & Lactation Information
The Navy continues to encourage and support accommodations to best meet the needs of our nursing Sailors and their infants. Sailors who desire to pump breast milk upon return to duty must be, at a minimum, afforded the availability of a clean, secluded space with ready access to a water source. Commands must ensure Sailors who are breastfeeding are afforded access to cool storage for expressed breast milk.
Policies and Instructions
For additional information regarding breastfeeding and lactation for Sailors and commands, please visit the Command Advisor on Parenthood & Pregnancy page.
Command Advisor on Parenthood and Pregnancy (CAPP) Program
While not mandatory, Commanding Officers are strongly encouraged to designate a Command Advisor on Parenthood & Pregnancy (CAPP) to act as a resource for the command and its Sailors.
The primary responsibilities of the CAPP are to serve as an advisor to the command triad on all things P&P related and ensure Sailors receive the proper counseling and guidance to understand their responsibilities, rights, and resources afforded to them as parents in the Navy. This program aims to help Sailors better balance the demands of a naval career, and family plans and obligations.
Navy Pregnancy & Parenthood (P&P) Mobile Application
The Navy P&P mobile application is a resource for all Naval personnel to understand the various roles and responsibilities during these milestone events in Sailors' lives. The intent is to provide commands and Sailors with the regulations, instructions, and resources, in an all-in-one, easy-to-use mobile app. The Navy P&P mobile application is available via Apple iTunes (iOS) or Google Play for Android.
OPNAV N174B, the Office of Women's Policy, is responsible for the continued development, and deployment of the Navy P&P application. We are committed to ensuring this application supports and meets the needs of Navy leaders and Sailors. Please utilize the below distro for any feedback, suggestions, questions, or issues related to the application.
Email: Office of Women's Policy
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