What is Breastfeeding Medicine?

Breastfeeding Medicine is the practice of managing complex breastfeeding issues and the associated care of mother and baby. This encompasses areas of Medicine such as Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dermatology and Psychiatry, to name a few.

Breastfeeding Medicine Doctors manage issues such as nipple and breast conditions, maternal and/or infant illness, supply issues, prematurity, medication safety concerns, induced lactation, breastfeeding through cancer care and supporting families with multiple births.

Who We Are

We are a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing evidence-based care in our support of families. We are actively involved in education for health professionals in the form of workshops and conferences and provide education to the community. Our Board of Directors and Committee members volunteer their time.

Our Board of Directors:

Dr Marnie Rowan (B Pharm, MBBS (Hons), FRACGP, IBCLC, FABM) (Chair)

Dr Nicole Gale (MBBS (Hons), FRACGP, IBCLC) (Deputy Chair)

Dr Sarah Bombell (MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG Adv, IBCLC) (Secretary)

Dr Alison Soerensen (FRACGP, B Med Sci (Hons), MBBS, DCH, Dip Breastfeeding Management (ABA), IBCLC) (Treasurer)

Dr Anita Bearzatto (MBBS (Hons), FRACGP, IBCLC) (Member)

Committees:

• Basic and Advanced Breastfeeding Medicine Workshops for Health Professionals Organising Committee

• Breastfeeding Medicine Network Australia/ New Zealand 2024 Conference Organising Committee

What is an IBCLC?

An IBCLC is a health professional who has studied extensively and achieved a qualification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). This requires more than 1000 hours of patient care, 90 hours of education and completion of a comprehensive examination. This is the most commonly recognised qualification of Lactation Consultants, who are the most qualified professionals working in the clinical breastfeeding space.

The IBCLC qualification is separate to a Medical qualification. Many IBCLCs are NOT Doctors. Practitioners listed in our directory are Medical Doctors AND may have IBCLC qualification.

Practitioner Directory

We have created a state-by-state directory of practitioners, so that families and health professionals can seek out care from Doctors who have further education in breastfeeding. Doctors listed can be contacted directly for enquires or appointments via their contact details.