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New GP ‘collaborative space’ for breastfeeding care
The RACGP has launched a breastfeeding and lactation medicine group to fill gaps in GP education, advocacy and research, and patient outcomes.
GPs provide the majority of perinatal, breastfeeding, and infant care in Australia.
Infant feeding-related consultations in general practice are common, but together with their complexity and significance to community health outcomes, further work is needed to fill gaps in care and GP education.
That is according to the RACGP, off the back of recently launching a new Specific Interests group dedicated to breastfeeding and lactation medicine to help address those gaps.
Endorsed by the RACGP Board, the proposal for a dedicated group was built on recognition of the need for coordinated, evidence-based, GP-appropriate clinical education, peer support, and advocacy in this area of healthcare.
Dr Kavita Thanakrishnan is the inaugural Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine.
‘GPs provide the majority of perinatal, breastfeeding, and infant care in Australia – nine in 10 parents will see their GP within the first three months for feeding support,’ she told newsGP.
‘Breastfeeding is associated with improved maternal and infant health, and we also know that high-quality, GP-led care in the first 1000 days is strongly linked to improved child neurodevelopment, maternal mental health, and long-term health equity.
‘Yet until now, there has been no dedicated RACGP group to provide leadership, education, advocacy, or research coordination in breastfeeding and lactation medicine.’
According to data from the Australian National Infant Feeding Survey, an estimated:
- 96% of infants were initially breastfed
- 39% were exclusively breastfed to three months of age (less than four months)
- 15% were exclusively breastfed to five months of age (less than six months)
The absence of a GP network in this area of healthcare has resulted in variable and sometimes non-evidence-based care being delivered in Australian general practice, placing families at risk of preventable complications and contributing to early breastfeeding cessation, the college says.
The RACGP
recognises the critical role GPs play in supporting families making infant-feeding decisions, including those who use infant formula, and notes an educational gap that contributes to inconsistent care and a lack of access to reliable, practical, evidence-informed advice for both GPs and families.
‘Antenatal care is well structured: over 90% of mothers attend multiple visits supported by clear guidelines, and the focus rightly ensures healthy outcomes before birth,’ Dr Thanakrishnan said.
‘By contrast, the postnatal period – especially the first six months – is often neglected. Early challenges such as breastfeeding, infant sleep, and maternal health concerns are frequently inadequately or, worse, incorrectly addressed.
‘This support gap poses real risks to families, highlighting the need for ongoing, coordinated care.’
Dr Kavita Thanakrishnan is the inaugural Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine.
Dr Thanakrishnan said the existing RACGP Specific Interests Antenatal and Postnatal Care and Child and Young Person’s Health groups have ‘worked hard’ to cover these needs, but their scope of practice is so vast. The new Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine group was created to meet these needs.
‘It will empower GPs with a structured, evidence-based approach to postnatal care, align with RACGP priorities in prevention, continuity, and community health leadership, and provide practical resources and a collaborative space – helping GPs support mothers and babies from the very first point of contact,’ she said.
Dr Thanakrishnan’s interests lie in preventing the ‘maternal mental health distress’ that can come from a lack of cohesive infant and perinatal guidelines.
‘I am passionate about translating the latest evidence into practical guidance for GPs so that families receive consistent, compassionate, and effective care,’ she said.
‘In this role, I hope to bring clinical expertise, advocacy, and education, while fostering collaboration among GPs to strengthen confidence and competence in managing complex feeding challenges and promoting optimal maternal and infant health outcomes.’
Proposed activities of the new group include:
- developing evidence-based clinical guidelines and resources tailored for general practice breastfeeding and lactation care
- organising educational events such as webinars, workshops, and online modules
- facilitating a peer support network for GPs to share knowledge, experiences, and clinical advice on complex breastfeeding cases
- advocating for improved access to specialist lactation services, especially in rural and underserved communities
- collaboration with other medical colleges to promote interdisciplinary education and research in breastfeeding medicine
- driving research, quality improvement projects and GP training in primary care lactation and infant feeding.
As Chair of the Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine group, Dr Thanakrishnan has the role of providing strategic leadership and clinical guidance for GPs across Australia. She will help shape the educational initiatives, develop practical resources, and coordinate advocacy and research efforts to ensure evidence-based, compassionate care for mothers and babies.
‘I also aim to create a collaborative space where GPs can share experiences, challenges, and solutions, building confidence and expertise in supporting families during the critical early parenting period,’ she said.
RACGP members can join the new Specific Interests Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine group
via this webpage, as well as
join the Facebook group.
Log in below to join the conversation.
breastfeeding lactation medicine postnatal care RACGP Specific Interests women’s health
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