Lactation and the Otolaryngologist: Optimization for Lactating Patients and Physicians

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Lactation is a fundamental human function that our patients, our partners and our colleagues may experience during their lifetimes. Unfortunately, most physicians lack comprehensive education about lactation medicine, especially in our field. Breastfeeding/lactation can be extremely challenging, and patients and physicians face many barriers to maintaining desired breastfeeding relationships.

Knowledge regarding relevant lactation medicine can help build a stronger, more trusting relationship with patients and prevent premature discontinuation of breastfeeding. Furthermore, understanding the challenges that lactating otolaryngologists face in the workplace postpartum may help colleagues and hospital systems build a more supportive and inclusive environment for patients and physicians.

This program will primarily address important aspects of the Otolaryngologic care of lactating women in an approachable fashion, including safety considerations for medical treatments, perioperative care, and inpatient management. The compatibility of relevant medications with breastfeeding will be reviewed and important considerations for the surgical care of breastfeeding mothers will be covered in detail.

This program will also address common issues facing lactating women physicians and advanced practice professionals in the workplace and provide practical solutions for the most frequently encountered challenges. This program will provide essential knowledge about lactation medicine so all practitioners can become better advocates for patients, colleagues and themselves.

This program was previously called "Breastfeeding and the Otolaryngologist: Optimization for Lactating Patients and Physicians" when presented in 2021.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Recognize and address patient concerns about lactation and common otolaryngologic treatments

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Implement safe and supportive perioperative care for lactating patients

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Recognize issues facing lactating physicians in the workplace and implement practical solutions

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Physicians must advocate for the whole patient by understanding the relevance of lactation in our specialty. With an increasing number of women in Otolaryngology, understanding these issues will help build inclusive and supportive workplaces.