Is Lactating in the Emergency Department a Letdown? Exploring Barriers and Supports to Workplace Lactation in Emergency Medicine

Abstract

Study objective: To explore the social and environmental conditions in emergency departments that contribute to perceived barriers and supports for workplace lactation among individuals working in emergency medicine.

Methods: Constructivist grounded theory was used by our team to understand the social processes and behaviors associated with workplace lactation for health care professionals working in EDs. A total of 24 interviews of individuals in EDs with recent return-to-work experience after childbirth were performed. The interviews yielded 36 unique experiences (from 21 faculty, 12 trainees, and 3 nurses) because some participants had more than 1 child, in which case all lactation experiences were discussed. Interview transcriptions were coded and analyzed iteratively for the development of themes, per constructivist grounded theory.

Results: Using constant comparative inductive methods, we describe 3 pervasive themes as they relate to workplace lactation that emerged from the analysis of interview data: (1) emergency medicine culture, (2) workplace lactation policies, and (3) supports for workplace lactation.

Conclusion: Although formalized workplace lactation policies and other identifiable supports for workplace lactation aid individuals desiring to lactate after returning to work in EDs, many individuals still experience cultural barriers to their desired lactation habits. Policies and individual support systems may continue to fall short of meeting the needs of lactating individuals in emergency medicine unless broader cultural change occurs. Our work offers initial recommendations for shifting the landscape of lactation practices in emergency medicine.