Celebrating Ruth A. Lawrence, MD (1924–2025): A Pioneer in Lactation Medicine and Champion for Child Health

Ruth A. Lawrence, MD, a trailblazer in pediatric medicine and breastfeeding science, passed away in October 2025 at the age of 101. Her journey highlights how she transformed breastfeeding from a niche topic to an essential area of medical practice. For over 70 years at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), she shaped the way clinicians approach infant feeding.

“Dr. Lawrence’s work has redefined infant feeding. Her influence can be felt in every nurse and clinician who carries on her vision,” said Kathy Parrinello, RN, PhD, President and CEO of Strong Memorial Hospital. “Her dedication and mentorship are ingrained in the heart of URMC.”

Born in 1924 in New York City, Ruth graduated from Antioch College in 1945. She sought admission to medical schools at a time when few accepted women. The University of Rochester was the first to invite her for an interview. “They told me that money shouldn’t be a barrier,” she recalled in a 2019 interview.

During her medical studies, she met Bob Lawrence, her future husband. Both graduated in 1949, and Ruth became the first woman to intern at Yale University. This experience connected her with leading experts and solidified her commitment to pediatric care, particularly breastfeeding. Balancing her demanding residency with motherhood was no small feat, as she juggled caring for her newborn alongside her training.

When she returned to Rochester, Dr. Bill Bradford invited her to manage the well-baby and preemie nurseries at Strong Memorial Hospital. In 1958, she launched the Poison Control and Drug Information Center—the second of its kind in the U.S. This center set a new standard for pediatric emergency care and toxicology.

As Ruth navigated her career, she raised nine children, breastfeeding each one. Her experiences reinforced her belief in the significance of breastfeeding for both maternal and child health.

Ruth actively advocated for breastfeeding at a time when formula feeding was prevalent. Her early works drew attention and cemented her status as a leading voice in lactation medicine. In 1979, after extensive research and personal experience, she published “Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession.” This textbook has since become a crucial resource, available in multiple languages and now in its ninth edition, co-authored with her son, Robert M. Lawrence, MD.

With over 200 research publications and the founding of the Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Study Center at URMC in 1985, Ruth made significant advances in the field. This center has been pivotal in promoting infant nutrition and maternal well-being. In 2022, her legacy continued with the establishment of URMC’s Division of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine—one of the first divisions of its kind globally.

In balancing her career and family, Ruth faced challenges unique to women of her time. “My husband supported me as long as everything at home was in order,” she once said. “It’s like Erma Bombeck said, ‘Don’t let them see you sweat.’” Ruth managed to handle it all, serving on school boards and actively participating in community life. Her daughter, Barbara Asselin, reflected on Ruth’s remarkable ability to juggle countless responsibilities without missing a beat.

In addition to her clinical duties, Ruth consulted for public health agencies and played a key role in shaping national health policies related to infant nutrition. She was actively involved in many esteemed organizations and received numerous accolades for her work, including the AAMC Humanism in Medicine Award in 1999.

Her passing signifies a great loss, but her influence persists through the countless individuals she inspired and the policies she helped create. The Ruth A. Lawrence Educational Fund was established in 2024 to honor her achievements and support the education of future leaders in breastfeeding medicine. This fund ensures her vision continues, helping expand training programs worldwide.

Ruth Lawrence’s legacy is not just about her groundbreaking work. It’s also about the lives she touched, the barriers she broke, and her unwavering commitment to improving maternal and child health. Her story inspires future generations of healthcare professionals, reminding us of the importance of dedication, mentorship, and compassion in medicine.

For further information, you can explore more about Ruth Lawrence through the Rochester Medical Review.

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pediatrics