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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Interesting...
Breast-Feeding Mom Sues For More Test-Taking Time
Board Refuses To Let Woman Have Extra Breaks
POSTED: 4:48 pm EDT September 12, 2007
UPDATED: 6:19 pm EDT September 12, 2007
BOSTON -- Sophie Currier is a breast-feeding mother of two who has just completed an MD-Ph.D. program at Harvard University.
Before she can have the doctor-scientific research career she's dreamed of she must pass a nine-hour medical licensing exam scheduled for next week. But the National Board of Medical Examiners is refusing to let her have the extra time she needs to pump breast milk every three hours in order to avoid serious medical complications.
"Because it's physically impossible for a nursing mom to go nine hours or nine and a half hours without expressing milk, I told them that they were putting me in a position of choosing between nursing my child and taking this exam and advancing my career," Currier said.
Currier has already overcome serious obstacles in her life -- dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. To fight this obstacle, she is suing the licensing board, alleging discrimination.
"I think that it's actually discriminating against women because men don't have to do this job. No male will ever have to face this problem of deciding between feeding their child and taking an exam," Currier said.
An attorney for the board said, "We can't have an ad hoc preference for Sophie Currier. It wouldn't be fair to others taking the test or to the public."
But Currier said one of the things that bothers her the most is what she calls the hypocrisy of the board's position.
"The medical community is putting a huge effort out -- or portions of the medical community -- to encourage women to breastfeed. If we are to breastfeed we need to be accommodated to do so," Currier said.
Currier said that she hopes that a federal judge will simply order the board to give her additional break time beyond the total 45 minutes the rules now allow.
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Posted 9/13/07 8:23 AM  |
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CathyB
Member since 5/05 19403 total posts
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Wow, I can't believe how inflexable they are.
And surprising this is the first time this has come up for them. 
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| Posted 9/13/07 8:29 AM |
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johnsae
Sip.
Member since 3/06 18677 total posts
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Good for her!
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| Posted 9/13/07 8:36 AM |
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cloddy
Holiday 2011 photo
Member since 8/05 8088 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
It will be interesting to see how this turns out
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| Posted 9/13/07 8:48 AM |
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Lucky
Growing up fast!
Member since 4/07 12683 total posts
Name:
Dawn
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Wow...I am keeping my fingers crossed that things go in her favor.
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:01 AM |
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nbc188
Best friends!
Member since 12/06 23090 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by johnsae
Good for her!
I second that! 
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:09 AM |
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dandr10199
Grace is growing up too fast!
Member since 10/05 11561 total posts
Name:
Dina
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by nbc188
Posted by johnsae
Good for her!
I second that!
I cannot believe they were so inflexible.
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:10 AM |
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pnm1654
Mommy to 2 boys!
Member since 5/05 4565 total posts
Name:
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
I agree. GOOD FOR HER
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:12 AM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by nbc188
Posted by johnsae
Good for her!
I second that!
me too
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:25 AM |
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LuvMy2Girls
@>---------
Member since 5/05 11165 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
I heard about this awhile ago...can i play devils advocate here?
As i was bf'ing mom myself...She is suing because they would not give her EXTRA time beyond the 45 minutes break everyone else gets. she wanted more breaks than everyone else gets.
While I applaud her bf'ing efforts and how hard it is to be a mom while going to school and still pumping, I dont' think it's fair for her to get extra breaks to pump while everyone else including other moms or even males could not get a chance to stretch their legs and get a break from a vigourous test.
I don't think it's about being inflexible, it's about being fair and consistent across the board and if 1 exception is made where would it end?
In no way am i against bf'ing and working moms, I am very much pro bf'ing but in this case it's not fair to other test takers.
That's just my opinion...flame away if you wish
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:42 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by sweetness
I heard about this awhile ago...can i play devils advocate here?
As i was bf'ing mom myself...She is suing because they would not give her EXTRA time beyond the 45 minutes break everyone else gets. she wanted more breaks than everyone else gets.
While I applaud her bf'ing efforts and how hard it is to be a mom while going to school and still pumping, I dont' think it's fair for her to get extra breaks to pump while everyone else including other moms or even males could not get a chance to stretch their legs and get a break from a vigourous test.
I don't think it's about being inflexible, it's about being fair and consistent across the board and if 1 exception is made where would it end?
In no way am i against bf'ing and working moms, I am very much pro bf'ing but in this case it's not fair to other test takers.
That's just my opinion...flame away if you wish
I definitely see your point, and I was thinking about this as well... BUT... I think it really has to be looked at on a case-by-case basis. Some BFing moms can go 9 hours with pumping just once during a 45 minute break, no problemo. Others will experience some serious afflictions if forced to do that.
I know, for myself, I had an overabundance of milk, particularly in the first 3 months. If I didn't pump every 2 hours, my bbs would become REALLY engorged, I would feel feverish, very uncomfortable, and I would start to leak.
I don't think it's necessarily fair for a woman who experiences these symptoms to be expected to perform at the same level as others who aren't experiencing those things. I would expect, however, for the Board to come up with certain criteria in determining whether exceptions should be made. I'm SURE they have to make certain allowances for people with disabilities. By the same token, if a nursing mother can provide documentation from a medical provider demonstrating that it's really critical that she nurse at certain times of the day, I would think that that would be acceptable.
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:51 AM |
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monkeybride
My Everything
Member since 5/05 20541 total posts
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Way to go mom!!
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:51 AM |
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Disneygirl
Disney cruise bound!
Member since 5/05 8126 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by sweetness
I heard about this awhile ago...can i play devils advocate here?
As i was bf'ing mom myself...She is suing because they would not give her EXTRA time beyond the 45 minutes break everyone else gets. she wanted more breaks than everyone else gets.
While I applaud her bf'ing efforts and how hard it is to be a mom while going to school and still pumping, I dont' think it's fair for her to get extra breaks to pump while everyone else including other moms or even males could not get a chance to stretch their legs and get a break from a vigourous test.
I don't think it's about being inflexible, it's about being fair and consistent across the board and if 1 exception is made where would it end?
In no way am i against bf'ing and working moms, I am very much pro bf'ing but in this case it's not fair to other test takers.
That's just my opinion...flame away if you wish
As a bf'ing mom myself I'm going to have to agree with you. It's only one day after all. While I was bf'ing DD I did a 3 day orientation 8hrs a day and pumped during my lunch break for 10 minutes tops. I didn't demand that they halt orientation while I pumped. My bm supply was never effected as I made sure to pump before I left and pump/nurse the second I got home.
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:51 AM |
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Disneygirl
Disney cruise bound!
Member since 5/05 8126 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by Bxgell2
I definitely see your point, and I was thinking about this as well... BUT... I think it really has to be looked at on a case-by-case basis. Some BFing moms can go 9 hours with pumping just once during a 45 minute break, no problemo. Others will experience some serious afflictions if forced to do that.
I know, for myself, I had an overabundance of milk, particularly in the first 3 months. If I didn't pump every 2 hours, my bbs would become REALLY engorged, I would feel feverish, very uncomfortable, and I would start to leak.
I don't think it's necessarily fair for a woman who experiences these symptoms to be expected to perform at the same level as others who aren't experiencing those things. I would expect, however, for the Board to come up with certain criteria in determining whether exceptions should be made. I'm SURE they have to make certain allowances for people with disabilities. By the same token, if a nursing mother can provide documentation from a medical provider demonstrating that it's really critical that she nurse at certain times of the day, I would think that that would be acceptable.
I see your point too. I think then it is important to have well documentation by a medical provider if this is the case because I feel that if they were to change the rules for this woman than many bf'ing moms would easily take advantage of this when it is not really necessary.
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| Posted 9/13/07 9:56 AM |
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Michelle
My Little Yankee Fans
Member since 1/06 4018 total posts
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by sweetness
I heard about this awhile ago...can i play devils advocate here?
As i was bf'ing mom myself...She is suing because they would not give her EXTRA time beyond the 45 minutes break everyone else gets. she wanted more breaks than everyone else gets.
While I applaud her bf'ing efforts and how hard it is to be a mom while going to school and still pumping, I dont' think it's fair for her to get extra breaks to pump while everyone else including other moms or even males could not get a chance to stretch their legs and get a break from a vigourous test.
I don't think it's about being inflexible, it's about being fair and consistent across the board and if 1 exception is made where would it end?
In no way am i against bf'ing and working moms, I am very much pro bf'ing but in this case it's not fair to other test takers.
That's just my opinion...flame away if you wish
Before I read that they get 45 minutes worth of breaks I was thinking wow that is not fair, but if she is given more breakes then the others how is that fair to everyone else??
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| Posted 9/13/07 10:09 AM |
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Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
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Karen
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
That's very interesting! My SIL is taking this exam next week and we were talking about this - she was very anti-break for this woman. She felt once the test starts, you get into such a "zone" that stopping more frequently would actually be counter-productive. Kinda like your body will adjust to the stress level you are under and will know that stopping could be bad.
My gut feeling - if they give her more time, how do they prove she is breastfeeding and not doing something else, like cheating???
Also - let's be honest here. Being a doctor is NOT a 9-5 job. There are going to be many, many times that she is working a crazy amount of hours. Is it always going to be feasible for her to stop every 3 hours? What if she is in surgery?
Message edited 9/13/2007 10:18:28 AM.
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| Posted 9/13/07 10:17 AM |
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LuvMy2Girls
@>---------
Member since 5/05 11165 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Beth I totally see your point too. I had an oversupply too and it HURTS so badly and I suffered from mastistis, tons of plugged ducts and lots of pain.
BUT, unless a doc can medically give concrete proof that this is a medical condition, like say a diabetic who would need to take an insulin shot, I still don't think she should get more time than others are allowed to.
I am all for BF"ing right of women and I would love for this country to stop looking in shame at bf'ing moms in public, but in this case it's just not fair to other test takers.
i dont' understand why she can't pump right before the test, during the 45 min break everyone else gets, and right after, it would be every 4 hours instead of every 3.
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| Posted 9/13/07 10:25 AM |
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MommyTeffi
Yummy!!!
Member since 2/06 1827 total posts
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
I'm all for BFing but in another article I read it stated that she has already received special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act for dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She is allowed to take the nine-hour test, which is offered throughout the nation several times a year, over two days instead of one.
So I guess that's why they are not being very accommodating.
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| Posted 9/13/07 10:30 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by sweetness
Beth I totally see your point too. I had an oversupply too and it HURTS so badly and I suffered from mastistis, tons of plugged ducts and lots of pain.
BUT, unless a doc can medically give concrete proof that this is a medical condition, like say a diabetic who would need to take an insulin shot, I still don't think she should get more time than others are allowed to.
I am all for BF"ing right of women and I would love for this country to stop looking in shame at bf'ing moms in public, but in this case it's just not fair to other test takers.
i dont' understand why she can't pump right before the test, during the 45 min break everyone else gets, and right after, it would be every 4 hours instead of every 3.
I agree- that's my point - for some, particularly new moms who have an overabundance, not pumping for 4 hours really IS a hardship. But, I would never ever dream that the Board would make such a significant accomodation unless she can provide medical proof of the fact that she has an overabundance which necessitates pumping at certain intervals during the day.
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| Posted 9/13/07 10:35 AM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
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me
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Honestly, I am shocked by some of the answers I read here. While it may appear that she would be getting more breaks, she really would not.
I am BF/pumping. I dont' pump every 2 hours. But there is NO WAY I could go for 9 hours with just 45 minutes break. How will everyone else using their break? bathroom, food, etc... What about her? Won't she need to also go to the bathroom and eat.
Yes she could "adjust" and say pump for 15 minutes. But it is HIGHLY hypocritical from the medical society to deny her what they are ALL promoting.
In regards to the comment that she will need to adjust when she will be a doctor. Willl she still be nursing by then? Probably not.
I did a State Board exam in January. We were told no food, snacks, drinks of anykind. Oh yes, and no coats!!!! In January!!!! I was PG. A fellow student was also PG. We were told NO SNACKS or WATER ...even if PG. One person told me I could not go to the bathroom. I looked at her and told her I would pee on the floor. It was ridiculous. FYI... she did let me use the bathroom.
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| Posted 9/13/07 10:59 AM |
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Disneygirl
Disney cruise bound!
Member since 5/05 8126 total posts
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D
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by MommyTeffi
I'm all for BFing but in another article I read it stated that she has already received special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act for dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She is allowed to take the nine-hour test, which is offered throughout the nation several times a year, over two days instead of one.
So I guess that's why they are not being very accommodating.
Frankly then I think she's being greedy. How much should they bend over backwards for this woman. If bf'ing is so important and pumping is necessary every 3hrs (i'm assuming she has a newborn or small infant) then she can take the test another time when life isn't so chaotic for her. Sorry but in this particular case I have no sympathy for this woman.
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| Posted 9/13/07 11:03 AM |
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Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
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Karen
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by smdl
In regards to the comment that she will need to adjust when she will be a doctor. Willl she still be nursing by then? Probably not.
I assume you are referring to my comment, so I will respond.
Actually - she will probably still be nursing. She is still a few steps away from becoming a full-fledged doctor and having a private practice.
If she is taking her boards now, she still has to complete her residency. I know my SIL's starts in 2-3 weeks. From what she is describing it's sounds like Grey's Anatomy - and IMO, having to stop every 3 hours may not be feasible.
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| Posted 9/13/07 11:09 AM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
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me
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Posted by Karen
Posted by smdl
In regards to the comment that she will need to adjust when she will be a doctor. Willl she still be nursing by then? Probably not.
I assume you are referring to my comment, so I will respond.
Actually - she will probably still be nursing. She is still a few steps away from becoming a full-fledged doctor and having a private practice.
If she is taking her boards now, she still has to complete her residency. I know my SIL's starts in 2-3 weeks. From what she is describing it's sounds like Grey's Anatomy - and IMO, having to stop every 3 hours may not be feasible.
Yes, I agree with you that she probably won't be able to do that while working. Especially as a resident. She could in her private practice though.
Still I find it hypocritical that the medical society promotes BF yet it does not apply to their female dr.
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| Posted 9/13/07 11:18 AM |
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JessieQ
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Member since 6/07 1122 total posts
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Jessica
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
Although I think when she chose this profession she should have known that it was going to be hard to also have a family, I agree that 9 hours is a lot to ask with so little break. I have never taken a test this long so I don't know how feasible this would be, but I wonder though if there is another way she can do this without having to set a precedent. Can they give her a private room (or at least a private area of the room, like in the back) so she can pump while the test is going on (there are hands-free versions that you can fit under your clothes) so maybe she wouldn't need extra time. she could just pump and dump, this way she wouldn't need to worry about milk storage or washing the equipment between pumping. I'm not sure how distracting that would be (both to her and to the other test-takers or proctors), but it seems that if she really wants to do both she will have to make some sacrifice.
I feel bad for her, it's hard for women, we were brought up being told we could do anything, but also feel the pressure to be the perfect mother, which includes breastfeeding our children. But I think though she needs to be willing to do what it takes if she want to be a doctor and not give up nursing her child.
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| Posted 9/13/07 11:56 AM |
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Janice
Sweet Jessie Quinn
Member since 5/05 27567 total posts
Name:
Janice
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Re: Breastfeeding Mom Sues for More Test-Taking Time
that's a tough one. I have a big supply. I agree she can pump in the 45 minute timeframe...but if that's her only free time, should 20 minutes of it be spent pumping?
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| Posted 9/13/07 12:00 PM |
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