The Female Soldier Insurgency that Helped Rewrite the Army's Rules on Parenthood

Staff Sgt. Nicole Edge had a miscarriage in 2016 and was allowed only two days of convalescent leave.

For Edge and thousands of military women, the Army Mom Life Facebook group became a refuge and a resource where they could reach out for help dealing with the difficult issues of parenthood while also serving their country.

The problems discussed on the board include sexism in the ranks -- male soldiers scoffing at pregnant women as a burden -- or commanders ignoring critical family issues. Members discussed requirements for women who recently miscarried to complete intense physical training, and commanders who don't give female soldiers time and space to pump breast milk.

The Facebook group, moderated by Edge and a handful of relatively low- to mid-ranking women, spearheaded a grassroots effort that led the Army to policy changes last month on how it treats parenthood. The group's own proposal was taken up by the service, and new policies moved at "lightning" speed through the approval process, according to interviews.

Those new policies will affect about 400,000 parents who serve in the Army, including its reserve components. As part of the changes, women will also now be allowed up to 42 days of convalescent leave after a miscarriage, stillbirth, or other situations that resulted in a loss of the pregnancy. With the doctor's discretion, even more can be awarded, and spouses are also eligible for time away from work.