Western Obstetrics is pleased to share that research on our breastfeeding screening tool has been published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health on 30 July 2025. The tool was developed by our very own Lactation Consultant Sharon Perrella and GP Obstetrician Dr Stuart Prosser, in collaboration with Professor Donna Geddes and Phillip Vlaskovsky.
Why this research matters
Breastfeeding is an important foundation for infant health, yet some women experience challenges that make it more difficult to establish and maintain. Research shows that certain medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes (GDM), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and a high pre-pregnancy BMI, can affect milk production and breastfeeding duration.
Many of these factors can be identified during pregnancy, providing an opportunity to offer tailored support before the baby arrives.
Our approach at Western Obstetrics
As part of our standard antenatal care, we incorporate a breastfeeding screening tool at 28 weeks’ gestation. This screening identifies potential lactation risk factors and allows our team to:
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Provide individualised education about breastfeeding
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Offer early referral to lactation consultants where indicated
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Put in place proactive measures to support feeding goals
Key findings from the study
The published research demonstrated that women with GDM were less likely to be fully breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks postpartum. The likelihood of breastfeeding difficulties more than doubled when GDM occurred alongside a high pre-pregnancy BMI.
While similar trends were observed for women with PCOS, the sample size was insufficient for firm conclusions, highlighting the need for further investigation. The dataset is now being expanded to explore additional factors such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, postpartum haemorrhage, and infant admissions to neonatal care.
Commitment to evidence-based care
This work reflects Western Obstetrics’ commitment to providing evidence-based, patient-centred care. By identifying possible challenges early, we can ensure mothers are supported with practical strategies and professional guidance to optimise breastfeeding outcomes.
The full publication is available here:
Read the article on PubMed