GPs get new collaborative platform for breastfeeding care
29 Sep 2025
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has launched a new Specific Interests group focused on breastfeeding and lactation medicine. The initiative aims to fill gaps in GP education, advocacy, research, and patient care related to infant feeding.
Dr Kavita Thanakrishnan is the inaugural Chair of the group. She explained that GPs provide most perinatal and infant care in Australia, with nine in ten parents seeing their GP for feeding support within the first three months after birth.
“High-quality GP-led care in the first 1,000 days is linked to better child development, maternal mental health, and long-term health equity,” Dr Thanakrishnan said. “Yet until now, there has been no dedicated RACGP group to provide leadership, education, advocacy, or research coordination in breastfeeding and lactation medicine.”
Data from the 2022 National Health Survey shows that while 91% of infants aged 0–3 years are breastfed at least once, breastfeeding rates decline with age: 71% at four months, 63% at six months, and 33% at 12 months. The RACGP notes that the lack of a dedicated GP network has contributed to inconsistent care, preventable complications, and early breastfeeding cessation.
The new group will support GPs in delivering evidence-based, practical care during the postnatal period, particularly the first six months, when early challenges such as breastfeeding, infant sleep, and maternal health concerns are common.
Dr Thanakrishnan said existing RACGP groups cover antenatal and postnatal care but their scope is broad. “The new Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine group will provide structured resources, peer support, and a collaborative space, helping GPs support mothers and babies from the very first point of contact,” she said.
The group plans to:
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Develop clinical guidelines and resources for GPs on breastfeeding and lactation care.
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Run educational events including webinars, workshops, and online modules.
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Facilitate a peer network for GPs to share knowledge and advice on complex cases.
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Advocate for improved access to specialist lactation services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
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Collaborate with other medical colleges to promote interdisciplinary education and research.
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Drive research, quality improvement projects, and GP training in infant feeding and lactation care.
Dr Thanakrishnan added that the group will help GPs translate evidence into practical care, build confidence in managing complex feeding challenges, and ultimately improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
RACGP members can join the new Specific Interests Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine group via the RACGP website or join the associated Facebook group.
Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
