(This article originally appeared in the November 2026 issue of Military Officer magazine.)

The Pentagon has extended a TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD) that covers support services from certified nonmedical labor doulas, certified lactation consultants, and certified lactation counselors for certain TRICARE beneficiaries.

The demonstration, which was authorized as part of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, originally ran from January 2022 through December 2026 but now runs through the end of 2031.

The CBSD is available to beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, and TRICARE Select; plus, as of January 2025, the expansion provides coverage for those overseas. It is unavailable for beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE For Life, the US Family Health Plan, or the Continued Health Care Benefit Program.

[FROM TRICARE.MIL: TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration]

To qualify for childbirth support and certified labor doulas, participants must be at least 20 weeks pregnant, plan to give birth outside a military treatment facility (MTF), and must see a TRICARE-authorized provider for the birth event.

The program covers up to six hours of visits by a certified labor doula. The hours can be split into 15-minute increments. An untimed visit during birth is also covered.

For lactation or breastfeeding support services, the beneficiary must be at least 27 weeks pregnant and qualify for TRICARE’s breastfeeding support benefit, which covers breastfeeding counseling by TRICARE-authorized independent board-certified lactation consultants and certified lactation counselors as part of an inpatient maternity stay, outpatient visit, or well-child care visit.

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In addition to the six sessions provided by the support benefit, the CBSD now covers breastfeeding counseling in a group setting. The lactation services come at no additional cost if the provider is in network.

The CBSD doesn’t cover telehealth labor doula services or MTF services. Telehealth breastfeeding support is available.

Check with your regional contractor about program qualifications. If eligible, you are automatically enrolled when you submit claims covered under the CBSD. Those who live overseas must contact International SOS to register with the CBSD before getting any services.