Breastfeeding During Family Medicine Residency

Abstract

Background and objectives: Canadian residents' breastfeeding experiences have only been reported in studies that broadly explored pregnancy and parenthood. We sought to fully explore Canadian family medicine resident mothers' breastfeeding experiences, and identify strategies to support workplace breastfeeding for future trainees.

Methods: Using an online survey, University of Toronto family medicine residents who gave birth from 2010 through 2016 were queried about their exclusive and overall breastfeeding duration, barriers, and facilitators to workplace breastfeeding, and strategies to improve the breastfeeding experience for future resident mothers. Data were downloaded from Qualtrics software and descriptive statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics v.24.0. Subjective comments were examined and linked to quantitative findings.

Results: Fifty-six of 179 eligible residents completed the survey (31% response rate). More than three-quarters of residents were on maternity leave for 7 to 12 months. All initiated breastfeeding, and 54% breastfed exclusively for 6 months. The median breastfeeding duration was 10 to 12 months. Almost two-thirds of residents were breastfeeding upon return to work, and all experienced barriers to workplace breastfeeding including lack of time, private space, and refrigeration for expressed milk. Lack of a workplace breastfeeding policy and inadequate support from supervisors or program directors were additional barriers. Peer mentorship and more breastfeeding education were identified as strategies to support future residents' breastfeeding goals.

Conclusions: Addressing long-standing barriers to workplace breastfeeding, and providing peer and educational supports were identified as strategies that could inform program policies to support future trainees' breastfeeding goals and experiences.