Length of Maternity Leave and Breastfeeding Outcomes Among Physicians [A284]. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Awomolo, Adeola; Louis-Jacques, Adetola; Eischen, Emily; Jones, Laurie; Braden, Andrea L.; Crowe, Susan
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 139(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 82S
• Page End: 82S
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000825696.34650.96
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: Physicians face unique challenges in the postpartum period, including limited maternity leave. We aim to determine the relationship between length of maternity leave and breastfeeding outcomes. METHODS: Physicians who had a singleton pregnancy during the most strenuous time of their career were included in the cross-sectional survey. Questions were adapted from the CDC's Infant Feeding Practices Study and Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, along with investigator-developed questions. Surveys were distributed through social-media physician groups and email listservs. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were completed via STATA version 17. RESULTS: Of the 807 responses, 637 were eligible and complete. The most strenuous time identified was during residency (36%). Greater than 30 specialties and subspecialties were represented, and the most common were pediatrics (37%), obstetrics and gynecology (18%), and family medicine (16%). There were associations between medical specialty ( P =.006) and birth year ( P <.0001) and length of maternity leave. The average maternity leave duration was 10±0.4 weeks. Maternity leave >6 weeks was associated with meeting personal breastfeeding goals compared to ≤6 weeks (80% vs 71%, P =.02). The mean duration of breastfeeding for respondents with ≤6 weeks maternity leave was 15±1.7 months while the mean duration for those with >6 weeks was 17±1.4 months (P=.01). There was a positive correlation between breastfeeding duration and maternity leave ( R 2 =0.12, P =.01). CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between length of maternity leave and breastfeeding outcomes. Supporting adequate maternity leave for physicians, especially those in training, is important for breastfeeding outcomes.