I do have some strong opinions about this (Gee how novel!) Every woman
needs to make decisions, based on childbearing and the eventual care of
that child, when it comes to career choices. This is based more on biology
than politics or societal expectations.
At one point I was a medical school candidate. I have no doubt I could have
completed medical school and made a darn fine doctor, yet, foremost in my
mind, was the fear that I, personally, could not have children in my 20s or
even early 30s, adequately care for them, breastfeed, and still complete
residency and my early medical career. (I have several freinds who have
done just this, and done a FINE job, but, for me personally, mothering and
med school was simply not an option.) I cried on and off for months after I
declined attending med school, and still sometimes wish I could have done
both. In my case (I am NOT judging others, who may have resources I don't
have) I made the right choice. BUT, it cost me what would have been a
rewarding and long wanted career.
I think EVERY woman, and this isn't the same for men, needs to take
childbearing and the subsequent care of that child into account when
choosing a career. And perhaps even making the difficult choice to *change*
careers, if she is unable to mother and breastfeed adequately.
It is HARD and sounds cold, but these are children who are being effected,
and in some cases, it may make the difference between breastfeeding and
being there, and not doing either. (Please, I need to make clear I am NOT
judging anyone who was able to mother and complete a medical education, but
it was something I knew *personally* I could not do at the same time.)
JMO.
Mary Jozwiak IBCLC, RLC, LLLL, AAPL
Private Practice
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