2025 Brisbane seminar: Bump, breast and beyond - program

Registrations open

Welcome and introduction

Bekki Cavallaro

Birth is the wedding day, breastfeeding is the marriage

We plan for the wedding day of birth - yet the marriage of breastfeeding often unfolds without preparation. In this session, we’ll explore the first two weeks as the foundation for lifelong feeding success, the role of oxytocin and instinct, and how creating a safe, supported environment can transform both connection and confidence for new families.

Emma Shipton

Trust your voice: Owning your breastfeeding journey

Breastfeeding is a personal and powerful journey, and often about finding your own way. This presentation explores experiences of antenatal and postnatal breastfeeding support, drawing on recent qualitative research. By discussing experiences of women, this session aims to encourage trusting your own voice amidst structured care systems.

Dr Mairaed Crawford

Golden slumber

Do they sleep through the night?' is one of the most dreaded questions new parents face. Today’s sleep advice - from coaches, books, and influencers - often promotes unrealistic expectations. This presentation explores what the evidence really says about infant sleep, drawing on evolutionary perspectives and the history of mother-baby sleep. By understanding how infants have slept for millennia, health professionals can better support families with practical, compassionate approaches to sleep challenges in the early months of parenting.

Morning Break

Dr Mairaed Crawford

Sweet dreams are made of this

This presentation is designed to provide a practical framework to assist with infant sleep challenges, informed by and integrating key aspects of the current infant sleep science evidence base talked about in the preceding presentation.

Nicola Kett

We’re here for you – be supported with your transition to parenthood

Transitioning to parenthood is a steep learning curve and having timely access to support can make a world of difference. ABA has support available for every stage of parenthood through its accessible online and face-to-face services. Parents can connect with others who are going through a similar transition and get information and support specific to their situation. Learn more about the support that’s available and the impact the services have on expectant and new parents’ confidence to navigate breastfeeding and parenthood.

Lunch

Brigitte Corcoran

Tracking tiny trends: Making sense of infant and child growth

Infant and early childhood growth is one of the key markers of early childhood development. This presentation will unpack the WHO and CDC growth charts, outlining their development, purpose, and differences. It will highlight key principles for interpreting infant and child growth, including age-appropriate chart selection, accurate measurement techniques, and the influence of genetics, nutrition, and health. Practical strategies will be shared to support health professionals and families in promoting healthy growth and early identification of concern.

Naomi Drew

Clues in the poos and spews - is an allergy a culprit to blame?

This presentation explores breastfeeding and allergies for lactation professionals, clinicians, and families. It covers allergy types, breastfeeding’s role in immune development and the impact on the mother-infant dyad. Practical guidance includes allergy management, food elimination, and solids introduction. Key advocacy tips, and referral points help professionals support families and empower parents to navigate their baby’s allergy journey with confidence.

Gemma MacDonald

Pregnant? Diabetes? Practical strategies to initiate and sustain breastfeeding 

Women with diabetes in pregnancy experience lower rates of initiation, duration, and exclusive breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is proven to reduce the risk of long and short-term health outcomes for women with diabetes and their infants. This presentation provides insight and practical strategies to support and encourage women with diabetes to initiate and sustain breastfeeding.

Farewell