(A1000) A Tutorial Series for Breastfeeding Surgeons: Tips and Pearls for Success

Monday, October 13, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT

Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

Presenting Author(s)

Carly Clark, MD

Resident
University of Kentucky Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Lexington, Kentucky, United States

Co-Author(s)

LS

Louise Scharff, Other

Medical Student
University of Kentucky Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Lexington, Kentucky, United States
TL

Tessa London-Bounds, MD

Assistant Professor
University of Kentucky Division of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, United States
AB

Amanda Buchanan, MD

Associate Professor
University of Kentucky Department of Urology, United States
Alexandra E. Kejner, MD

Associate Professor
Medical University of South Carolina Rutledge Tower Annex
CHARLESTON, South Carolina, United States
WC

Will Cranford, MS

Biomedical Data Scientist
University of Kentucky College of Public Health Department of Biostatistics, United States

Senior Author(s)

NG

Nikita Gupta, MD

Associate Professor
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY, United States

Disclosure(s):

Carly Clark, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Louise Scharff, Other: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Alexandra E. Kejner, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Introduction: The benefits of breastfeeding are well established in medical literature. Despite recommendations of breastfeeding from pediatricians and the WHO, educational resources specific for surgeons are limited.

Methods: Our survey was distributed between February to April 2021 via national organizations and social media groups to recruit breastfeeding surgeons. Survey responses were recorded to identify modifiable factors preventing surgeons from achieving their breastfeeding goals. Our group then generated an educational module to help guide surgeons who are currently breastfeeding or may breastfeed in the future.

Results: Overall, there were 663 survey respondents from various subspecialties, with 95 otolaryngologists. Data was collected with regards to the respondent's experience following the birth of each child (182 births within otolaryngology). Otolaryngologists reported breast pumping after returning to work following 93.4% of all births. 27.7% of the time respondents felt they were missing career opportunities due to breastfeeding. Otolaryngologists felt supported by colleagues/partners in their breastfeeding goals following 69.0% of births. 28.7% of breastfeeding occurred during medical training (students, residents, or fellows), compared to 71.3% as an attending otolaryngologist. The development of our module addresses common barriers such as pumping in the operating room or between patient cases, and breastmilk storage. Additionally, tips for success in defining and meeting breastfeeding goals were provided.

Conclusions: The current need for breastfeeding resources specific to surgeons has been left unmet. Our current research addresses this need by disseminating a novel educational resource to surgeons. Following completion of the module, it is our goal to evaluate participant satisfaction and knowledge regarding breastfeeding in order to adjust the module as needed.