Nearly half of radiologists are unable to meet their breastfeeding goals, with many citing an unsupportive work culture as a leading barrier, according to a new study.
Researchers anonymously surveyed members of the American Association for Women in Radiology (AAWR) for their findings, published Dec. 5 in Academic Radiology. Time constraints, a negative work environment and no access to a dedicated lactation rooms were all contributing factors for falling short of their breastfeeding goals.
Samantha G. Harrington, MD, MSc, of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Department of Radiology, and colleagues said structural and cultural changes are needed to make new moms more comfortable.
“This study elucidates an opportunity to support lactating radiologists by creating a welcoming culture and providing both time and space to pump at work,” Harrington et al. explained in the study. “Although lactation is only a limited time in one's life, supporting pumping at work may help radiology narrow the gender gap.”
This is not the first time radiologists have discussed the profession's obstacles to breastfeeding. In July, a small group, including AAWR President Lucy Spalluto, MD, MPH, penned an editorial calling on the American Board of Radiology to offer more flexibility to lactating mothers taking the group’s certification exams.
Around the same time, a number of physicians shared their experiences on Twitter of being forced to pump milk in bathroom stalls during their break with a board chaperone present.
For their current study, Harrington et al. gathered responses from 50 breastfeeding radiologists between March 6-23.
Overall, 44% said they did not meet their breastfeeding goals. A lack of time at work was cited most often at 82%, while 42% of all respondents also found their unsupportive work culture to be prohibitive. Additionally, 34% said having no access to a lactation space contributed to missing their goal. Rads were able to choose more than one barrier.
A supportive workplace is crucial for ensuring such targets are met, the authors noted, which then opens opportunities to address space and time needs.
Harrington and colleagues explained that programs need to create a comprehensive policy describing needs and expectations to help radiologists.
Given that the survey was completed during the ongoing pandemic when many people are working from home, the authors believe their results may even underestimate how many physicians typically struggle to breastfeed.
“We would anticipate that the pandemic may have mitigated some of these barriers as many radiologists may have been working from home and perhaps had more control over their time and work environments,” the group concluded. “Even with the changing workplace dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of time was associated with not meeting breastfeeding goals.”
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.