Breastfeeding offers well-recognized health benefits for both baby and lactating parent. These benefits range from a favorable gut microbiome and enhanced immunity to ideal nutrition for growth and development in infants. It also offers significant bonuses to those who breast/chest feed, particularly when exclusivity and duration recommendations are followed.
Despite these vital benefits, physicians, particularly those in training, often face significant obstacles when they attempt to meet their breastfeeding and pumping goals. In response to these challenges, the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) and a diverse group of healthcare professionals have come together to advocate for comprehensive lactation support policies in medical institutions and academic settings.
In a groundbreaking Position Statement: The Rights of Physicians and Future Physicians Who Are Lactating, Breastfeeding, or Chestfeeding, the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) responds to the urgent need to support lactating, breastfeeding, or chestfeeding physicians and medical trainees. This position article underscores the necessity for comprehensive workplace accommodations, inclusive policies, and cultural shifts to ensure that those who wish to provide breastmilk to their infant can do so while fulfilling their professional responsibilities, not having to compromise on the benefits for both baby and parent.
“In our community of physicians, doctors-in-training, and students, our overarching mission is to create an inclusive space that fosters equity for all to excel in medicine,” according to Dr. Rosy Thachil, chair of the AMWA Gender Equity Task Force, “and that includes assuring that anyone who wants to be able to breast/chest feed while continuing to work, should have the necessary institutional support to do so.”
Understanding the Challenges
The medical field is known for its demanding schedules, long hours, and high-stress. For physicians and medical trainees who want to be able to lactate, meeting professional demands can be complicated by the need for regular breaks to pump or nurse, secure a private location for these activities, and the expectation of a supportive workplace culture.
Despite a growing number of physicians and medical trainees who are starting families, many institutions have been slow to adopt policies that adequately address these needs. The lack of a supportive work environment has led to increased stress, burnout, and even attrition among this vital segment of the healthcare workforce.
Recommendations to Solicit Supportive Medical Institutions
The AMWA position paper sets forth several key recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges:
- Adequate Break Times: Institutions should provide sufficient break times to accommodate physicians/medical students who wish to breast/chest feed or express milk. These breaks should be integrated into the work schedule without penalty or adverse workplace repercussions to the healthcare professional.
- Designated Spaces: Hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities should provide a private, clean, accessible space for milk expression and breastfeeding. Such spaces should be equipped with necessary amenities, such as electrical outlets for breast pumps and refrigeration for milk storage.
- Supportive Culture Shift: Medical institutions are encouraged to develop and implement clear policies that support those who are lactating, breast- or chest-feeding, including an anti-discrimination process to address any violations. Beyond policies, it’s time for medical institutions to normalize and support lactation, breast-,and chestfeeding so individuals feel supported and respected.
- Mentorship and Support Networks: Establishing mentorship programs and support networks can provide lactating, breastfeeding, or chestfeeding physicians with the guidance and encouragement they need to navigate the challenges they face.
Impact on Healthcare When Practitioners Have Support to Breastfeed
By adopting these recommendations, medical institutions will ensure that their workforce remains healthy, supported, and capable of providing the best care to patients and keeping everyone on track to advance professionally. Lactating, breastfeeding, or chestfeeding physicians will be able to continue their essential work without compromising their health or their children’s well-being.
Dr. Roberta Gebhard, AMWA Past-President and a GETF founder, emphasized the importance of the recommendations laid out in the position paper, stating, “Supporting our lactating, breastfeeding, and chestfeeding colleagues is not just a matter of health and well-being; it is a matter of professional equity and respect. When we support our physicians, we enhance the quality of care they can provide to their patients.”
Moving Forward
“The AMWA Position Paper serves as a crucial call-to-action for medical institutions across the United States. In adopting these recommendations, the healthcare industry can make significant strides toward a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable environment for all its professionals,” says Dr. Brianna Clark.
As the medical community continues to evolve, it is imperative that the needs of anyone who wishes to fulfill their desire to breast/chest feed and continue to work are fully recognized and addressed. Adopting the recommendations presented by AMWA will represent a vital step in demonstrating a commitment to workplace equity.
Sources:
Patel VJ, Clark B, Thachil R, Rosen-Carole C, Godcharles C, Kumar D, Gebhard R; AMWA Gender Equity Task Force. The Rights of Physicians and Future Physicians Who Are Lactating, Breastfeeding, or Chestfeeding: An American Medical Women’s Association Position Article. Breastfeed Med. 2024;19(7):568-572
Dieterich CM, Felice JP, O’Sullivan E, Rasmussen KM. Breastfeeding and health outcomes for the mother-infant dyad. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013;60(1):31-48.