Dear Obstetric Shared Care GPs,

The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week. Such an important time to reflect on practice and to think about what you could be doing to ensure the women in your care are well supported in those important days and weeks following birth.

Support Breastfeeding for a Healthier Planet

Breastmilk is a natural, renewable food that is produced and delivered to the baby/infant/child without pollution, packaging or waste. When we protect and support mothers and breastfeeding, we are also reducing the impact on our air, water and land, protecting our young ones and future generations.

Breastfeeding is a sustainable way to feed our infants and young children and provides food and security for them in emergencies and climate-related disasters. (Australian Breast Feeding Association) Such as the recent catastrophic summer bushfires, hailstorms, and floods, now followed by a dreadful pandemic.

Leading up to World Breastfeeding Week, at recent GP Obstetric Shared Care CPD activities we have been very fortunate to listen to presentations from both Dr Rhiannon Smith and Dr Moira McCaul who are not only participating in our program, but who are Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and who have special skills in breastfeeding medicine. They are offering additional support for women during pregnancy and following birth. Thank you, Rhiannon and Moira.

As promised, I have included below information from those presenters about the dedicated services they offer. I am sure that you will find lots of information, resources and support for your patients, particularly those with tricky issues needing longer consultations.

Adelaide Mums and Babies Clinic

Adelaide Mums and Babies Clinic is a specialist clinic within other General Practice Clinics, or Specialists’ rooms. Dr Briony Andrew and Dr Rhiannon Smith are both GP Obstetricians and Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and have special skills in Breastfeeding Medicine. 

Long appointments allow for thorough exploration of all contributing factors for a wide range of mother-baby pair issues.

Adelaide Mums and Babies Clinic

Mother Baby Clinic

The Mother Baby Clinic is a specialised service providing expertise in breastfeeding issues, maternal health, sleep and settling problems and infant issues such as tongue tie, colic, reflux, poor weigh gain, irritability or allergy. They provide long consultations and if you are referring patients for consultation. please ask them to specifically request the Mother Baby Clinic.

The Mother Baby Clinic runs on Wednesdays with Dr Moira McCaul and Ms Trenna Moore. Moira is also a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). A Thursday morning clinic runs with Dr Julia Chan and Ms Trenna Moore.

Physiotherapy In Pregnancy

Also as promised by Rhiannon, is a list of physiotherapists that you can source:

  • Tracy Magor-Weyland (Mount Barker) My Physio SA 1300 189 289 or Adelaide Hills Community Health, if patient birthed in Mount Barker 8393 1833
  • Alice Adamson (Burnside) 0403 949 719
  • Sharon Parker (Ashford) 0425 333 980
  • Vital Core (Magill) 8331 0552
  • Annabel Duncan (Calvary North Adelaide) 8361 7888
  • Kate Goode and Jane Rothe (Calvary North Adelaide) 1300 604 377

Click on the link below:
PHYSIOTHERAPY PREGNANCY & POSTNATAL EXERCISE CLASSES

The first week of August has also bought even tougher restrictions for those in Victoria and uncertain and challenging times for us all in South Australia.

We trust this – and future updates – will be of help to you during these crazy times. 

Don’t forget to visit our GP Partners Australia website for further updates and resources www.gpex.com.au

Stay safe and stay well

If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the GP Obstetric Shared Care Program Manager – Leanne at lmarch@gppaustralia.org.au