Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Human milk is universally recognized as the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing optimal nourishment during critical developmental stages. The World Health Organization and other leading health authorities recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond. This recommendation is based on extensive evidence demonstrating the numerous benefits of human milk for infant growth, development, and immune system function.

Mothers of preterm and surgical/sick babies experience unique barriers to establishing lactation and breastfeeding therefore they require additional education and support. Despite this breastfeeding rates remain low in this population suggesting gaps in clinical knowledge about maternal challenges, and tailored advice for these dyads.

This project seeks to determine maternal sources of breastfeeding information in addition to monitoring lactation and breastfeeding practices. The results from this study will inform the development of an intervention designed to increase breast milk/breastfeeding in this population.

Please submit your application via email to chlrt@uwa.edu.au

Include a cover letter, CV, academic transcript and full contact details.

The Centre for Human Lactation Research and Translation via email chlrt@uwa.edu.au

Available to commence January 2025