Steve Miller - Australian Breastfeeding Association for Health Professionals

Bedsharing and Breastfeeding: The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol #6, Revision 2019.

Bedsharing has been shown to be associated with breastfeeding duration and exclusivity but it is controversial because it is also seen as a risk factor for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, decreases the risk of SIDS, so a recommendation against bedsharing may have the unintended consequence of reducing breastfeeding, which would be counterproductive.

Bedsharing and Breastfeeding: The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol #6, Revision 2019.Steve Miller2021-04-05T14:26:02+10:00

Lactation after infant death an analysis of Australian healthcare agencies online health information.

The physiological process of lactation is triggered by pregnancy and birth and is hormonally driven. It occurs even in the absence of a living infant. Each year, over 4000 Australian women experience late miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal or older infant death. Previous research has shown that many women feel unsupported by their healthcare team in regards to lactation after infant death.

Lactation after infant death an analysis of Australian healthcare agencies online health information.Steve Miller2021-04-05T14:26:06+10:00

COVID-19. Breastfeeding Information and Research Team, Australian Breastfeeding Association

COVID-19 is a corona virus, with much still to be learned about its transmission. Breastfeeding and breastmilk are well-known to be protective against a wide range of viruses1 and health professionals can confidently reassure breastfeeding mothers that they can continue to breastfeed.

COVID-19. Breastfeeding Information and Research Team, Australian Breastfeeding AssociationSteve Miller2021-04-05T14:26:07+10:00

Positioning and Attachment

In the early weeks, it is common for breastfeeding women to experience some nipple pain that ceases after the initial attachment. Severe nipple pain, pain that continues beyond the initial attachment or any signs of nipple damage all require investigation. Nipple pain is a commonly reported reason for early breastfeeding cessation. The most common cause of nipple pain is suboptimal positioning and attachment. Hence, supporting women to establish good positioning and attachment is important to help women reach their breastfeeding goals.

Positioning and AttachmentSteve Miller2021-04-05T14:27:03+10:00

Blocked Ducts and Mastitis

Blocked ducts and/or mastitis are common problems experienced by breastfeeding mothers. While blocked ducts and mastitis are distinct entities, the boundaries between them are often blurred. Mastitis often occurs following milk stasis from a blocked duct when milk leaks out from the ducts into surrounding tissue. This does not always signify infection, although the presenting symptoms are frequently similar.

Blocked Ducts and MastitisSteve Miller2021-04-05T14:27:10+10:00

Introducing Solids

‘Introducing solids’ describes when an infant goes from being fed only milk to gradually becoming used to a variety of family foods.

Introducing SolidsSteve Miller2021-04-05T14:27:15+10:00

Lactation after infant death. Australian Breastfeeding Association

More than 4000 Australian women experience late miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal or older infant death annually.1 The physiological process of secretory activation leading to the onset of breastmilk production is triggered by delivery of the placenta2 and occurs even in the absence of a living infant. Unfortunately many women feel unsupported by their healthcare team when it comes to lactation after infant death.

Lactation after infant death. Australian Breastfeeding AssociationSteve Miller2021-04-05T14:28:06+10:00

What breastfeeding education (if any) are undergraduate health students receiving? Mindy Booker, student dietitian (Honours) (QUT)

Inaccurate and inconsistent advice from health professionals is commonly reported by women as a barrier on their breastfeeding journey (Clifford & McIntyre, 2004; Department of Health, 2018). A number of studies have identified that a wide range of health professionals, including general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists and dietitians have low levels of breastfeeding knowledge and skills, and clinicians report that they do not feel confident supporting breastfeeding women (Yang et al, 2019; Bagwell et al 1993; Fei Sim et al, 2018; Ryan & Smith, 2017; Taveras et al, 2004).

What breastfeeding education (if any) are undergraduate health students receiving? Mindy Booker, student dietitian (Honours) (QUT)Steve Miller2021-04-05T14:28:07+10:00

Using domperidone to treat low breast milk supply. Luke Grzeskowiak PhD, BPharm(Hons), GCertClinEpid, AdvPracPharm, FSHP The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide

The importance of breastfeeding for maternal and child health [...]

Using domperidone to treat low breast milk supply. Luke Grzeskowiak PhD, BPharm(Hons), GCertClinEpid, AdvPracPharm, FSHP The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of AdelaideSteve Miller2021-04-05T14:28:13+10:00

Colostrum. Dr Alison Stacey, MBBS (Hons) BMedSci DCH DRANZCOG FRACGP Cert IV Breastfeeding Education IBCLC Dip Breastfeeding Management

Colostrum plays a unique role in the transition of the baby to extra-uterine life. It differs from mature breastmilk in a number of ways. Colostrum is a concentrated source of protein, sodium and immunoglobulins (Brodribb 2019). Lower carbohydrate (lactose) levels result in lower volumes; whereas in mature breastmilk, lactose acts osmotically to draw water into the milk (Brodribb 2019). Colostrum also has a laxative effect, helping baby to pass meconium (Brodribb 2019). Secretory IgA, lactoferrin and maternal lymphocytes provide a source of passive immunity to complement that provided via the placenta (Wambach 2016). Human milk oligosaccharides promote the colonisation of baby’s intestinal system with bifidobacteria and act as decoys to prevent infection by pathogens (Wambach 2016).

Colostrum. Dr Alison Stacey, MBBS (Hons) BMedSci DCH DRANZCOG FRACGP Cert IV Breastfeeding Education IBCLC Dip Breastfeeding ManagementSteve Miller2021-04-05T14:28:24+10:00

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