The journey of new motherhood is challenging enough, but for physician moms, the demands of medical training and clinical work can make it even harder—especially when it comes to breastfeeding. The cultural and systemic barriers in healthcare often leave women feeling like they have to choose between their careers and their families. But does it have to be this way?

In this episode, Dr. Arti Thangudu sits down with Dr. Alia Hussain, a direct care pediatrician and lactation advocate, to discuss the vital need for better maternity leave policies, workplace flexibility, and a culture that truly supports physician moms. As a mother herself, Dr. Hussain has experienced firsthand the struggles of balancing a demanding medical career with raising children. Through her work, she’s helping to change the conversation and offer solutions that keep women thriving in medicine.

This conversation is about more than just breastfeeding—it’s about rethinking how we support the people who care for us. If we want a healthier future, we have to invest in keeping talented, compassionate physicians in the workforce.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

• 04:46 Importance of Breastfeeding
• 07:31 Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions
• 20:46 Support for Breastfeeding Moms
• 27:47 Training and Education in Breastfeeding Medicine
• 35:07 Challenges of Pumping at Work
• 37:39 The Impact of Workplace Support
• 38:39 Physician Retention and Motherhood
• 41:16 Advocating for Breastfeeding Rights
• 43:49 The Need for Maternity Leave and Daycare
• 55:59 The Motherhood Penalty

Episode Highlights:

• The Reality of Breastfeeding in Medicine – Physician moms face unique challenges, from inadequate maternity leave to the lack of time and space to pump at work.
• Workplace Culture Needs to Change – Supporting breastfeeding isn’t just about personal choices; it’s about creating an environment that allows women to stay in medicine.
• The Role of Breastfeeding in Preventive Health – Despite the health benefits for both mom and baby, breastfeeding is often overlooked in our current healthcare model.
• Retention Crisis in Medicine – 25% of female physicians leave practice or go part-time within six years of finishing training. Without systemic change, we risk losing invaluable members of the workforce.
• Solutions for a More Supportive Future – From hospital-based childcare to better lactation accommodations, there are actionable steps institutions can take to retain women in medicine.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Dr. Hussain:
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
• “Why Women Leave Medicine” American Medical Association
• Research by Paula England on the Motherhood Penalty
• When Companies Support Pumping Breastmilk at Work, Everyone Benefits - Harvard Business Review 
• Association Between Length of Maternity Leave and Breastfeeding Duration in the United States: A Systematic Review - NIH 
• The Economic Benefits of Paid Leave: Fact Sheet - Joint Economic Committee, U.S. Congress 
• Gender-Based Requests for Physician Care - American Family Physician 
• Occupational Feminization and Pay: Assessing Causal Dynamics Using 1950–2000 U.S. Census Data 

Connect with Dr. Arti: 

• Instagram: @drartithangudu
• LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD 
• YouTube: @drartithangudu