Ann L. Kellams, MD, a professor in the Department of Pediatrics, was quoted in Medscape Medical News article “Physician Mothers and the Breastfeeding Challenge.” The article highlights the challenges physicians experience with returning to work while breastfeeding, due to widespread lack of accommodation for physician parents. Dr. Kellams is also president of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, a global organization for physicians promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding. The group has published more than 30 clinical protocols related to breastfeeding, including one for creating a breastfeeding-friendly office. Dr. Kellams says institutions should invest in accommodations for lactating doctors and as a result will see more loyalty and greater retention of employees.
I think that as a whole, the profession is starting to wake up and realize that we need to be taking care of ourselves. And the investment in young families, making accommodations for them, being flexible with scheduling, and supporting maternity leave, paternity leave, and childcare are going to be what helps us get there. ~Ann Kellams, MD
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