Hello everyone,  

It’s our last edition of Professional express for the year and looking back, I see that we have published research summaries of articles with topics ranging from breastfeeding knowledge levels of obstetricians and gynaecologists, to how breastfeeding protects against breast cancer, and sexism in opposition to breastfeeding in public. There has been some great research published in the last month or so about how postnatal care and breastfeeding support are offered in hospitals (from both the midwife’s and the postnatal woman’s perspective) and also a study about the nature of peer breastfeeding support. Check out these last three research summaries if you are an ABA professional member.  Also you might be able to help out with some research that we featured in the September edition of Professional Express (see below in the events noticeboard section). Emma Biggar is recruiting midwives and breastfeeding support folks for her study about breastfeeding mothers with visual impairment.

Registrations for ABA’s Health Professional Seminars in March 2026: Breastfeeding: care that continues are going gangbusters for the three live seminars to be held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. You can read full details about the program and speakers AND the online program and speakers on our website. Remember that when you register for an in-person seminar you will also receive access to the online program (available to view from 31 March to 31 May 2026). The entire programs of in-person and online events are also available to people outside of Australia.  

So much goodness! 

Last month I spoke to you about the launch of our new online Breastfeeding and diabetes module for expectant mothers whose pregnancy has been impacted by diabetes. You can read more detailed information about this on our website. It is free for ABA Virtual Village members and includes all the quality content that you expect from ABA. We appreciate you mentioning this breastfeeding resource to the mums and families you support in your practice.  

For a kickstart to your early plans for 2026, the famous (he really is famous) Rodney Whyte is presenting in our first workshop for health professionals on 21 February 2026. Rodney will speak to principles of medications and breastfeeding and give an overview of medications commonly prescribed for breastfeeding mothers.  

And finally – it’s not too late to contribute to the ABA 2025 Festive Appeal. Your donation ensures that mums will continue to be supported when they need it. No-one knows this better than you.   

Best wishes to you all for the holiday season and thank you for all you do for breastfeeding mums and families every year. 

See you back here in early February 2026.  

Warm regards 

Jen Hocking