Pediatricians Advocating Breastfeeding: Let's Start with Supporting our Fellow Pediatricians First

Physician mothers have some of the highest rates of breastfeeding initiation; however, their rates of continuation of breastfeeding to 12 months of age drop substantially from 97% to 34%.1 Major barriers include difficulty finding time and a place to express their milk while at work, competing demands from work and family, as well as perceived lack of employer support.1,2 Less than one-third of physician mothers are able to reach their personal breastfeeding goal, with more than one-half stating that they would have breastfed longer if their “job had been more supportive.”3 Insufficient opportunities to express milk can not only lead to a physician mother not meeting her own lactation goals, but also to blocked ducts, mastitis, decreased milk supply, feelings of inadequacy, stress, and burnout.
Source: The Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Notes from the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs, Inc. Source Type: research