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Sir.—I am a pediatrician. A brief 9 months ago I had an enlightening experience, which led to a "fellowship" in general pediatrics. I became a mother. This much-undervalued specialty can be as difficult, as stressful, and as utterly enjoyable as the neonatal intensive care unit, the emergency department, the office, or the ward. I do take a break from mothering two short afternoons a week when I "go to work" at a clinic and leave my little one with a housekeeper. I also work at home in the evening after he's asleep. My child eats well, sleeps well, and is growing well. My career is, at best, at a standstill, and our finances are in ruins.
My colleagues are sure I've gone nuts because I decided to raise my child rather than hire someone (like a nanny) for the job. My female colleagues who don't have children sometimes say