Appreciate the comments by some fellow MD's about working and mothering.I
love what I do, also, and nursed my 5 year old for 4 1/2 years while
continuing to be employed.  I have chosen part time work so that I can
have some balance.  I took him with me whenever I could when he was small
with no permission and no apologies.  He's been nursed at national FP
specialty society meetings and lots of other unusual places.  I have learned
that children need parenting 24 hours a day--you either do it or find someone
to help you.  My husband is currently home with our son, a great arrangement
for all.  I am convinced however that young babies do best when they do not
have to be separated from their mothers.

Mothers have always worked; all mothers work.  Some do it with their
babies--at home or elsewhere.  Just as we need to be advocating for
breastfeeding in general, we need to be advocating for real maternity
leaves and baby-friendly work places and on-site day care for those who
cant have their children with them continuously.

I also think we need to educate young women and men that "having it
all"--all at the same time--may not be optimal!  That's where I think many
"Generation X-ers" may be ahead of us boomers.  They seem to be less
oriented to career-at-the-expense-of-all-else.  Although I always "knew"
I would breastfeed, I didn't figure out this mothering stuff until I had
my son. I wish someone had told me sooner, although I'm not sure I'd have
believed them!  I still see colleagues whose children are quite
peripheral to their busy professional lives and am so glad breastfeeding
cemented that attachment so I can remember and fight to keep my son
central in my life.

Talk about soapboxes...this is one of mine.  (All mothers are working
mothers, some of us just happen to get paid for some of our time!!)
 --
Anne Montgomery, M.D.
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