Hello again  

I hope you had a great festive season and maybe a break over the new year. Maybe you worked through and are now looking forward to a holiday? What a great feeling that must be right now!  

At ABA we are skipping into 2026 with the usual energy and good vibes, and we invite you to join us. Perhaps this is the year to become a professional member or maybe you have lapsed and are keen to join us again. It’s an easy process to join, just click on our dedicated website for professionals.  

First up I would like to take the opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution made by Dr Jenni James over the past 15 years as editor of ABA’s peer– reviewed journal Breastfeeding Review. Editing a research journal is a job for a specialist and requires expert knowledge, experience and understanding of a specific field of research.  Jenni’s background is in nursing and midwifery, and she has been an ABA breastfeeding counsellor, a clinical leader in lactation and an educator and researcher in the university sector. As editor, Jenni has always ensured that the journal reflects ABA’s Vision and Mission. As you move on from this role to other plans Jenni, thank you for your extended commitment to the promotion of breastfeeding research and knowledge and best wishes for the future. 

To continue with the theme of professional knowledge, three of the four research summaries this month are about health professional breastfeeding education and knowledge. It’s great to see this topic being published.  

Also, on the topic of learning and improving, the good news is that the early bird registration deal for ABA’s 2026 annual Health Professional Seminar series has been extended. Get in quick to save on the best professional development you will experience in 2026.  

And while we are in the mood for being the best we can for the breastfeeding mothers and families we care for, enrolments for ABA’s 10960NAT Diploma in Breastfeeding Management are now open. There are flexible study options, with plenty of support to help you to build your knowledge and develop your skills in lactation support.  

 

Happy reading and see you in March. 

Jen Hocking   

Lactation and Breastfeeding Information Expert Adviser