Peripartum Experiences in Otolaryngology Across Training and Practice: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: With limited data available to help guide otolaryngologists in career & family planning, we examined peripartum experiences across gender and career stage.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative study of U.S. otolaryngologists who experienced pregnancy or partner’s pregnancy in the past 10 years. Semi-structured interviews over peripartum experiences within the eligible timeframe were analyzed using Braun & Clarke’s methodology using NVivo 15.

Results: 19 participants were interviewed (13 female, 6 male) regarding 46 peripartum experiences, with a median of 2 children per subject. 33% of pregnancies occurred during training. 4 domains emerged: timing, support, adverse experiences, and improvement. Timing included “biological clock” pressures, infertility, and assistive reproductive technology (ART) use. Trainees took shorter parental leave than attendings (median = 4 vs 12 weeks, respectively), often supplemented with vacation or research blocks. Trainees consistently relied on non-spousal familial support given childcare costs. Women reported frequent workflow conflicts and inconsistent access to dedicated breastfeeding resources. Adverse experiences included stigma toward pregnant surgeons and patient safety concerns when clinical/operative duties extended into term, as women began maternity leave at a median of 38 weeks’ gestation. Suggested improvements included expanding parental leave and protecting time/space for obstetric visits & breastfeeding.

Conclusions: Peripartum experiences differed by career stage: trainees took shorter, strategic leave and relied on unpaid support. Stigma and safety risks when work overlaps with delivery windows show that accommodations are both equity and patient safety issues. Protected leave and support for obstetric/lactational needs may help address these issues.