What Predicts Breast-Feeding Duration in Female Physicians?

Exclusive breast-feeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life. Researchers surveyed 130 female residents and faculty physicians (65% surgical) from Florida and Baltimore to examine predictors of breast-feeding duration in the medical profession.

Most participants (85%) had 1 or 2 children, and 15% had 3 or 4 children (total, 238 children). Only about 20% of physicians received breast-feeding education in medical school or residency. All physicians intended to breast-feed, and 56% planned to breast-feed for at least 1 year. Nearly 80% of children were exclusively breast-fed at birth; 25% continued to be exclusively breast-fed (no other food nutrients) at 6 months. Mean duration of breast-feeding was 10 months, and 90% of breast-fed infants continued to be breast-fed after their mothers returned to work. The following work-related factors were positively associated with longer breast-feeding duration: not having to make up for missed call or work, longer duration of maternity leave, available time to express milk, and supportive colleagues. Maternal demographics including age, number of children, breast-feeding education, and medical or surgical specialty were not associated with breast-feeding duration.