AUTHOR=Wayne Annie S. , Mueller Megan K. , Rosenbaum Marieke 

TITLE=Perceptions of Maternal Discrimination and Pregnancy/Postpartum Experiences Among Veterinary Mothers

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=7

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00091

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2020.00091

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objective:</bold> To describe perceptions of maternal discrimination and to begin to understand patterns around timing of starting families, infertility, and post-partum depression among veterinary mothers.</p><p><bold>Design:</bold> Cross-sectional questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions posted to a social media platform “Moms with a DVM.”</p><p><bold>Sample:</bold> 1,082 veterinary mothers in the United States.</p><p><bold>Procedures:</bold> An online questionnaire was administered regarding perceived discrimination, inequities in the work-place due to pregnant or maternal status, desired accommodations, timing of pregnancy(ies), fertility issues, and postpartum experiences.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> At least one form of perceived discrimination was reported by 819 (75.7%) respondents (<italic>M</italic> = 2.6, <italic>SD</italic> = 2.1, range 0–10). Specifically, 789 (72.9%) reported maternal discrimination. Over half of the sample (<italic>n</italic> = 632, 58.4%) reported at least one instance of perceived inequity in the workplace due to status as a mother (<italic>M</italic> = 1.23, <italic>SD</italic> = 1.4, range 0–5). A majority (906, 83.7%) reported that their career had “definitely” or “maybe” affected the timing of their children. One hundred eighty-nine respondents (17.5%) experienced at least one miscarriage, and 192 (17.6%) used fertility treatment due to difficulty conceiving. Postpartum depression was diagnosed in 181 respondents (16.7%), and 353 (32.6%) reported symptoms consistent with postpartum depression but did not seek medical care. Of 953 participants who needed accommodations for breastfeeding and/or pumping while at work, 130 (13.6%) reported excellent accommodations, 454 (47.6%) adequate, 258 (27.1%) inadequate, and 111 (11.6%) had no accommodations provided.</p><p><bold>Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:</bold> Participants reported experiences of perceived maternal discrimination, as well as inequities and lack of support services due to status as a mother. These results highlight the need for attention and changes to ensure veterinarians have supportive and sustainable career options.</p>