**The Urgent Issues of Motherhood and Parenthood in the U.S.**
As a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, my personal experiences and insights on parenting shape my appreciation of the widespread systematic challenges encountered by millions of American families. Maternal and infant mortality rates in the U.S. continue to be disturbingly high, disproportionately impacting women and children of color as well as those in socially disadvantaged communities. Concurrently, the prohibitive expense of private childcare is on par with that of higher education, making it unaffordable for many families.
A major issue is the lack of high-quality, federally funded childcare options, worsened by decreasing birth rates. The shortage of sufficient paid parental leave heightens these difficulties, with the absence of a universal federal policy to assist families. Proposed threats and actual reductions to federal funding will only exacerbate these problems, increasing the weight on parents.
Reflecting on my own experiences, my first daughter arrived during my medical school years. I had to manage a challenging delivery, breastfeeding hurdles, and academic duties, all made feasible with my family’s support. Similarly, with my son’s arrival during my residency, I dealt with demanding 24-hour shifts, medical leave because of preterm labor risks, and limited time with my newborn. My freezer’s stock of breast milk spoiled due to a malfunction, illustrating the delicate balance of work and parenting.
With the birth of my third child during fellowship, I was allowed six weeks of paid leave and additional time through program provisions, giving me a chance to bond with my children. Now, as an attending with my fourth child, I have more time off comparatively, yet I still face system-induced challenges due to restricted Family Medical Leave Act eligibility.
These experiences highlight how challenging child-rearing is for working parents in the U.S. Despite my advantages, such as proximity to family and job flexibility, maintaining breastfeeding and childcare remains formidable. The urgent necessity for systemic reform to assist young families is clear. Other nations serve as examples of effective parental leave and childcare strategies, demonstrating that improved support is both possible and crucial. For the wellbeing of our families and future generations, we must advocate for these changes within medical education, pediatrics, and the nation.
*Authored by Julie Zaituna, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician.*