Original Article

Personal Breast-feeding Behaviors of Female Physicians in Mississippi

Authors: Chris Rodgers Arthur, PHD, Rebecca B. Saenz, MD, William H. Replogle, PHD

Abstract

Background: In this study, we examined the personal breast-feeding behaviors of female physicians in Mississippi.


Method: Two hundred fifteen of 350 female physicians responded to a survey inquiring of their personal breast-feeding behaviors.


Results: One hundred fifty-five mothers (74%) reported having biologic children, and 146 (94.2%) breast-fed at least 1 child. Approximately 21% of the responding mothers breast-fed their first-born children for at least 6 months. There was a positive relationship between the duration of breast-feeding of older children and the breast-feeding duration for younger children. The major reasons for weaning were return to work, diminishing milk supply, and lack of time to pump breast milk.


Conclusion: The breast-feeding initiation rates among female physicians surpassed those of women in the general population, yet duration rates were comparable. Their own breast-feeding success might enhance the potential of female physicians as advocates and sources of credible information regarding breast-feeding; however, physicians need to be better educated regarding the management of breast-feeding.

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