TY - JOUR
T1 - The Rights of Physicians and Future Physicians Who Are Lactating, Breastfeeding, or Chestfeeding
T2 - An American Medical Women’s Association Position Article
AU - the AMWA Gender Equity Task Force
AU - Patel, Vaishnavi J.
AU - Clark, Brianna
AU - Thachil, Rosy
AU - Rosen-Carole, Casey
AU - Godcharles, Cheryl
AU - Kumar, Dyuti
AU - Gebhard, Roberta
AU - Marra, Janelle
AU - Marr, Mollie
AU - Marshall, Ariela L.
AU - Cazares, Paulette T.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
PY - 2024/7/1
Y1 - 2024/7/1
N2 - Breastfeeding is a fundamental and biologically normal function with well-established benefits for both lactating parents and infants. Despite these benefits, physicians, particularly those in training, often face significant obstacles when attempting to meet their breastfeeding and pumping goals. In response to these challenges, the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) and a diverse group of health care professionals have come together to advocate for comprehensive lactation support policies in medical learning environments and workplaces. This position article highlights the ethical necessity of comprehensive lactation support in medical educational and workplace settings, emphasizing the importance of not only providing physical accommodations but also fostering a cultural shift, educational initiatives, and policy reforms to empower lactating parents. It offers an examination of the difficulties encountered by lactating parents within medical environments and proposes guidelines for the formulation and enhancement of supportive policies. The position article envisions a future where medical professionals can thrive in both their careers and parenthood through collaborative efforts and a commitment to the key elements of Effective Lactation Support Programs in medical workplaces based on the following: (1) well-equipped lactation facilities, (2) customized work schedules, (3) mentorship and support networks, (4) lactation support in clinical settings, and (5) research and advocacy.
AB - Breastfeeding is a fundamental and biologically normal function with well-established benefits for both lactating parents and infants. Despite these benefits, physicians, particularly those in training, often face significant obstacles when attempting to meet their breastfeeding and pumping goals. In response to these challenges, the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) and a diverse group of health care professionals have come together to advocate for comprehensive lactation support policies in medical learning environments and workplaces. This position article highlights the ethical necessity of comprehensive lactation support in medical educational and workplace settings, emphasizing the importance of not only providing physical accommodations but also fostering a cultural shift, educational initiatives, and policy reforms to empower lactating parents. It offers an examination of the difficulties encountered by lactating parents within medical environments and proposes guidelines for the formulation and enhancement of supportive policies. The position article envisions a future where medical professionals can thrive in both their careers and parenthood through collaborative efforts and a commitment to the key elements of Effective Lactation Support Programs in medical workplaces based on the following: (1) well-equipped lactation facilities, (2) customized work schedules, (3) mentorship and support networks, (4) lactation support in clinical settings, and (5) research and advocacy.
KW - challenges for lactating doctors
KW - lactation policies
KW - medical breastfeeding support
KW - medical education reforms
KW - parental challenges
KW - workplace lactation facilities
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85191395669&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85191395669&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1089/bfm.2024.0073
DO - 10.1089/bfm.2024.0073
M3 - Article
C2 - 38624138
AN - SCOPUS:85191395669
SN - 1556-8253
VL - 19
SP - 568
EP - 572
JO - Breastfeeding Medicine
JF - Breastfeeding Medicine
IS - 7
ER -