Background
Sharon is a Research Fellow at the Geddes Hartmann Human Lactation Research Group, UWA. Sharon has a clinical background with extensive experience in neonatal intensive care nursing and has a special interest in preterm breastfeeding and milk production. She has used ultrasound and intraoral vacuum measurement to examine sucking dynamics and suck-swallow-breathe coordination after preterm birth and in dyads experiencing breastfeeding difficulties. Sharon’s current work focuses on the identification and management of women at risk of low milk production and early cessation of breastfeeding, with a particular interest in lactation outcomes after pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes. She is passionate about sharing the science of human lactation with health professionals and families.
Research Interests
Sharon completed a PhD titled “The Effect Of Different Types Of Nutrition On The Gastrointestinal Response Of The Preterm Infant” in 2015 with distinction.
Sharon’s research interests include the establishment and maintenance of lactation and breastfeeding following preterm birth, low milk supply, and the effect of oral anomalies on breastfeeding outcomes.