Improving breastfeeding care through evidence-based clinical guidelines
La Trobe research into lactational mastitis has contributed to updated clinical guidance, helping translate evidence and specialist expertise into practical support for health professionals caring for breastfeeding women.
Breastfeeding is universally acknowledged as the first step in the promotion of health and wellbeing of children and their families. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for two years or beyond, with solids introduced around six months of age. However, the two most common problems faced by breastfeeding women are nipple and breast pain and low or perceived low milk supply. Medical practitioners may not receive education in managing breastfeeding problems and at times may provide advice that is inappropriate or unhelpful to breastfeeding women.
Professor Lisa Amir is a Subject Matter Expert in breastfeeding medicine who has contributed to the development of guidelines and knowledge that assist health professionals in providing appropriate advice and care. This includes writing Clinical Practice Guidelines at the Royal Women's Hospital and partnering with the Australian Breastfeeding Association to support new mothers.
Professor Amir's research has identified significant international variation in the management of mastitis and breast abscess in hospital settings. Her 2025 international audit study across five countries, published in the Journal of Human Lactation, found that management practices varied considerably between countries and called for international evidence-based guidelines for lactational mastitis. The study demonstrated that the Royal Women's Hospital's approach to managing mastitis aligns with evidence-based Therapeutic Guidelines, reflecting the successful implementation of research-informed clinical practice at this major Australian hospital.
In December 2025, updated mastitis guidance was published as part of Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic v17. Professor Amir contributed as an expert adviser to the development of the guidance, which draws on several of her published studies. This represents the translation of her research and clinical expertise into guidance designed to support evidence-based care by health practitioners.
