Navigating breastfeeding as an EM physician

In the previous two episodes, we explored some of the challenges related to fertility and pregnancy for EM physicians. In the final episode of our three part series, we take it one step further to discuss yet another challenge: breastfeeding. Of course, fed is always best, and there are many reasons to formula feed, but providing breastmilk is very important to many families. For EM physicians, choosing to breastfeed usually means figuring out how to pump and store milk while you’re on shift. This can be daunting, especially for residents and junior physicians. How do you find time to sneak away? Is there an easily accessible pumping room close by? Will you feel supported by colleagues and your department? We cover these questions and much more with experts, Dr. Claire Abramoff, and Dr. Shada Rouhani. 

Does your ED have policies to support breastfeeding and pumping? Share your experience with us on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com

Hosts:

Dr. Julia Magaña, Associate Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis

Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis

Guests:

Dr. Claire Abramoff, Assistant professor at Jefferson, Sidney Kimmel Medical Center College and Assistant Residency Program Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA

Dr. Shada Rouhani, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Emergency Physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA

Resources:

Practice Management Breastfeeding Disasters and Solutions for EPs, by Claire Abramoff, MD, for Emergency Medicine News, March 14, 2023. 

Cleveland Manchanda EC, Vogel LD, Kass D, Rouhani SA. Best Practices for Lactation Support at Conferences and Standardized Testing Centers. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Feb;135(2):475-478. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003661. PMID: 31923075.

McDonald L, Illg Z, Dow A, Gunaga S. Maternity Experiences and Perceptions of Emergency Medicine Physicians. Spartan Med Res J. 2021 Apr 13;6(1):22009. doi: 10.51894/001c.22009. PMID: 33870004; PMCID: PMC8043905.

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Thank you to the UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine for supporting this podcast and to Orlando Magaña at OM Productions for audio production services.