Attending a scientific conference is a wonderful opportunity to present your work and receive important feedback that can strengthen your research. Conferences also provide access to valuable tools and resources generously shared by others during poster sessions and presentations. Not to mention, they offer a fantastic chance to network and collaborate with inspiring scientists.

This year, I was thrilled to attend the 2024 American Physiology Summit. I presented my research, co-chaired two sessions and hosted a fast-paced networking event. It was exciting to reconnect with my APS Cell & Molecular Physiology Section colleagues—they feel like family when we come together. However, as a mother with a 3-month-old baby, attending the conference brought unique challenges. Being a breastfeeding mom, I couldn’t simply leave my baby behind.

Many working scientist parents face this dilemma: How do you balance attending a multiday work event with caring for your newborn? One option is to send a regretful email apologizing for your absence. The other is to say yes and figure it out.

I chose the latter. Fortunately, my support system stepped in to help, and I was able to attend the Summit. But it wasn’t easy. Bringing my family from Pennsylvania to Long Beach, California, involved navigating airfare, accommodations and additional expenses. Thankfully, there are funding opportunities available. I applied for—and was fortunate to receive—the APS Dependent Support Travel Award. This allowed my family to accompany me and even made it possible for my baby to attend her first conference.

My experience highlighted the importance of providing support for parents attending conferences. Offering funding, on-site child care and lactation rooms can make a significant difference for new parents who may need to take breaks to care for their little ones.

Instead of constantly running back and forth between the hotel and the conference, having accessible child care enables parents to fully engage in the event. It’s important for academic communities to create inclusive environments where parents don’t have to choose between their families and their scientific careers.