Breastfeeding & Beyond - Dr Melody Jackson

10/08/2026

World Breastfeeding Week always gives me a chance to pause and reflect.

When I first became a mum, I thought that as a doctor, breastfeeding would probably come naturally. It didn’t.

Like so many parents, I had moments of joy, moments of doubt, tears, exhaustion, and more than a few times when I wondered whether I was doing enough. Those experiences changed me. They made me realise that knowledge is important, but compassionate support matters just as much.

Those early days shaped the path I never expected to take. They led me into breastfeeding medicine, where I now have the privilege of walking alongside thousands of families during one of the most vulnerable and meaningful times of their lives.

This year has also reminded me how precious breastfeeding relationships are. They don’t need to be perfect to be deeply meaningful. Every feed, every cuddle, every moment of connection matters.

To every parent who has breastfed for years, for months, for days, or for just one feed — you have given your baby something only you could. And if your journey looked different from what you hoped, I hope you know that your love has never been measured in millilitres.

This World Breastfeeding Week, I’m grateful for every family who has trusted me with their story, every colleague who continues to advocate for evidence-based, compassionate care, and for my own children, who unknowingly inspired the work that has become my life’s passion.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week. ❤️

08/08/2026

Today is a combination of teaching and learning at the Antenatal Shared Care Update. A great way to round out World Breastfeeding Week!

07/08/2026

In honor of the World Health Organization’s , explore a field on the rise: breastfeeding medicine.

Once considered a niche interest, it’s now a board-certified subspecialty with hundreds of physicians earning a certification in just the past few years. As more women enter medicine and bring their own experiences into their training, interest in this specialized care is only growing. From treating complex lactation issues to advocating for better research and support systems, physicians in this field are working to ensure no parent feels alone in navigating challenges.

Learn more about how this subspecialty is reshaping care.

Interest in breastfeeding medicine is growing as more women enter the physician workforce.

05/08/2026

It’s been a special few days in Cairns for World Breastfeeding Week. I got some special time with my Mum and children, exploring this beautiful part of the world.

I had the privilege of speaking at the Cairns Breastfeeding Conference about breastfeeding and diabetes - an area where growing evidence continues to remind us that preparation, early support and skilled care can make such a meaningful difference for families. Thank you to Breastfeeding Conferences and Cairns Hospital for organising such an excellent event.

One of the things I love most about conferences is that they bring together people who care deeply about improving care. Every conversation, question and shared experience helps us all learn a little more.

It was also an honour to be on the land of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people, and to hear from another speaker about how we can do better in NICUs for First Nations families. I also loved hearing from all of the other speakers, including Sarah Bombski from The Mother Hub .

As World Breastfeeding Week is coming to a close, I’m feeling grateful — for the opportunity to learn, to teach, to connect with colleagues, and to continue advocating for evidence-based, compassionate breastfeeding care.

Thank you to everyone who attended, asked thoughtful questions and shared your own experiences. Safe travels home, and here’s to continuing the conversations long after the conference ends. 💙

18/07/2026

🌿 Welcoming Meena Fahmy to Norwest 🌿

We’re delighted to welcome Meena Fahmy, Women’s Health Physiotherapist, who will be consulting from our Norwest rooms, offering the ultimate convenience in your postpartum.

Meena has more than 10 years of physiotherapy experience, with a particular interest in lymphoedema, oncology physiotherapy, and women’s health.

She provides physiotherapy care for women across pregnancy and the postpartum period, including support for breastfeeding-related breast inflammation such as mastitis, as well as therapeutic ultrasound and lymphatic techniques where appropriate.

Soon, Meena will also be offering a comprehensive Women’s Health Physiotherapy service, including care for:
• Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal concerns
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Postpartum recovery
• Bladder and bowel symptoms
• Pelvic pain
• Return to exercise after birth

We’re pleased to have another experienced clinician consulting from our Norwest rooms, making it easier for families to access a range of services in one welcoming location.

If you’d like to learn more about Meena’s services or book an appointment with her, please get in touch with her on (02)88832091, or at Lymphoedema & Cancer Rehab Physio

Please join us in welcoming Meena! 💚

BellaVista SydneyWomensHealth

11/07/2026

Don't miss your opportunity to attend The Cairns Breastfeeding Conference on 5 August 2026.

EARLYBIRD CLOSES TOMORROW!

Due to strong interest, Earlybird registrations have been extended—giving you a little more time to secure your place at the reduced rate. Join leading experts for a full day of evidence-based presentations covering diabetes, neonatal care, infant allergies, late preterm infants, infant sleep, and more. Whether you're an IBCLC, midwife, nurse, doctor or allied health professional, this is an excellent opportunity to update your knowledge while earning 4.75 L CERPs. Register today before the extended Earlybird offer closes! 🌴☀️

Register here: https://fundraising.fnqhf.org.au/event/buytickets/breastfeeding-conference

04/07/2026

Don’t miss your opportunity to attend The Cairns Breastfeeding Conference on 5 August 2026. Due to strong interest, Earlybird registrations have been extended—giving you a little more time to secure your place at the reduced rate. Join leading experts for a full day of evidence-based presentations covering diabetes, neonatal care, infant allergies, late preterm infants, infant sleep, and more. Whether you’re an IBCLC, midwife, nurse, doctor or allied health professional, this is an excellent opportunity to update your knowledge while earning 4.75 L CERPs. Register today before the extended Earlybird offer closes! 🌴☀️

Register here: https://fundraising.fnqhf.org.au/event/buytickets/breastfeeding-conference

02/07/2026

This week marked the end of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Leadership Academy.
After months of early morning meetings across time zones, thoughtful discussions, leadership challenges, and a final project, our last session wrapped up this week at 6am on a work morning 🤗
I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside an incredible group of colleagues who are all working, in different ways, to improve care for breastfeeding families around the world.
My project focused on developing a trauma-informed breastfeeding education toolkit for clinicians- something that has grown from an idea into a resource that I’m excited to continue refining and sharing.
Leadership isn’t always about having the loudest voice. Often it’s about listening well, building relationships, staying curious, and continuing to show up, even when the work is complex and the challenges feel overwhelming.
A huge thank you to the faculty, mentors, and my fellow cohort members for your generosity, encouragement, and willingness to learn together. I’m looking forward to seeing where everyone’s projects go next.
On to the next chapter.

28/05/2026

This week is an opportunity to keep learning, keep listening, and keep asking how we can do better — not only during Reconciliation Week, but every day within our clinics, hospitals, communities, and systems.
Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.
BreastfeedingMedicinePhysician breastfeedingandbeyond drmelodyjackson

14/05/2026

After a whirlwind of a month, I’m belatedly reflecting on the recent Breastfeeding Medicine Network of Australia and New Zealand national conference , held here in Sydney.

I’m honoured to have spoken on maternal ni**le pain, and to have joined the international panel discussion on breastfeeding medicine training and the evolving role of breastfeeding medicine physicians across different countries.

Most of all, I loved soaking up the genuine friendships that I have gained through this beautiful community of practitioners.

One of the things I value most about this community is the willingness to keep learning from each other — across disciplines, experiences, and borders — all with the shared goal of improving care for mothers and babies.

Thank you to the organisers, panel members, and everyone who contributed to such thoughtful conversations over the weekend.