The benefits of breastfeeding for both women and infants are well established.1 Despite recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, initiating and sustaining lactation remains a challenge for many women.2 Although 79% of mothers in the United States initiate breastfeeding, only 27% are still breastfeeding at 12 months postpartum.3
Physicians who are mothers face substantial challenges that may undermine efforts to sustain lactation after they return to work. Elsewhere, we demonstrated that the career satisfaction of physicians who are mothers was negatively affected by the short duration of maternity leave, associated financial losses, and inflexible work schedules.4-6 Given the paucity of data on lactation practices among physicians who are mothers, the aim of this study was to use a large representative nationwide cohort to evaluate the barriers to breastfeeding for physicians who are mothers.
Data from physicians who are mothers were gathered via an anonymous online survey on the impact of pregnancy and maternity leave that used social media recruitment (Physician Moms Group), as reported elsewhere.4 Of the 14 518 members of the Physician Moms Group at the time of the study, 2363 mothers (16.3%) completed the survey. Women who were currently breastfeeding were excluded. Univariate analysis was performed using χ2 and Fisher exact tests. A multivariable model was also created to determine predictors of sustained lactation to at least 12 months postpartum and to personal goal. A 2-sided P < .05 was used to determine statistical significance. The survey was approved and the need for patient informed consent was waived by the institutional review board of Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
The survey was completed by 2363 US physicians who were mothers, of whom 2224 (94.1%) initiated breastfeeding and 1606 (68.0%) met inclusion criteria. A complete case analysis was used for missing data. Overall, 670 of the 1606 respondents (41.7%) reported continued lactation to at least 12 months postpartum, and 450 (28.0%) reported that reaching their goal was the primary reason for cessation of breastfeeding (Table). Nearly half (788 [49.1%]) reported that they would have breastfed for longer if their job had been more accommodating. Characteristics associated with breastfeeding to at least 12 months postpartum were older maternal age, non-Hispanic race, nonprocedural specialty, longer time in practice, and having additional children. Having additional children and being a trainee were also associated with breastfeeding to personal goal. Respondents reported using a breast pump in their office (1045 respondents [99.2%]), in lactation rooms (207 [19.7%]), in call rooms (146 [12.8%]), and in their car (143 [13.9%]); 331 respondents (20.6%) used empty patient rooms, bathrooms, locker rooms, or closets.
The most frequently cited challenges to establishing a pumping routine in the workplace included inadequate time (1219 respondents [85.4%]), schedule inflexibility (529 [37.0%]), and insufficient space (332 [23.3%]; Figure, A). Respondents who reported longer maternity leave, dedicated space to pump, and accommodating schedules were more likely to report lactation to at least 12 months postpartum and to personal goal (Figure, B). In adjusted analysis, having a schedule that accommodated pumping was associated with increased odds of breastfeeding to at least 12 months postpartum (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% CI, 1.26-1.98) and for breastfeeding to goal (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.24-2.00). Having a longer maternity leave was associated with breastfeeding to at least 12 months postpartum (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.02-1.56), and having a dedicated private space was associated with pumping to personal goal (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.14-1.81; Figure, C).
Our findings suggest that 41.7% of physicians who are mothers who initiate breastfeeding sustain breastfeeding for at least 1 year. Although this finding exceeds the national rate of 27%,3 fewer than one-third of the respondents reported being able to sustain breastfeeding to their personal goal, and nearly half reported that they would have breastfed longer if their job had been more accommodating. Our findings suggest that modifiable, work-related factors—in particular, accommodating schedules to allow for pumping, providing longer maternity leave, and establishing a dedicated private space—may improve the ability of physicians who are mothers to continue lactation after they return to work. These factors should be taken into consideration when designing a workplace that is conducive to breastfeeding.
Accepted for Publication: January 16, 2018.
Corresponding Author: Nelya Melnitchouk, MD, MSc, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115 (nmelnitchouk@bwh.harvard.edu).
Published Online: March 19, 2018. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.0320
Author Contributions: Dr Melnitchouk had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.
Study concept and design: All authors.
Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: Melnitchouk, Scully.
Drafting of the manuscript: All authors.
Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Melnitchouk, Davids.
Statistical analysis: All authors.
Administrative, technical, or material support: Scully.
Study supervision: Melnitchouk, Davids.
Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None reported.