Barriers to Breastfeeding During Surgery Residency

OBJECTIVE Breastfeeding is a highly demanding experience, especially for surgical residents who pump after returning to work. We believe that there are obstacles to pumping and opportunities exist to improve support for this group. The objective of this study was to understand the experience of breastfeeding surgery residents and find opportunities for increased support. DESIGN Surveys were sent out through the Association of Program Directors in Surgery for distribution among current residents. A survey was also conducted in a private group of surgeon mothers to identify those who had previously been breastfeeding during residency. SETTING All surveys were performed online with results collected in a REDCap web-based application. PARTICIPANTS Participants were those who gave birth during their surgical residency. RESULTS 67% of the 246 survey respondents stated that they did not have adequate time for pumping and 56% rarely had access to a lactation room. 69% of mothers reported a reduction in milk supply and 64% stated that the time constraints of residency shortened the total duration they breastfed. 59% of women did not feel comfortable asking to pump. CONCLUSIONS Surgical residents reported a lack of space, resources, and dedicated time for pumping. These deficiencies contribute to shorter breastfeeding duration. It is crucial to provide lactation rooms and to foster a supportive culture.