Alison McFadden's Avatar

Alison McFadden

@profamcf.bsky.social

Prof Mother and Infant Public Health, Mother and Infant Research Unit (MIRU), University of Dundee. Passionate about midwifery, infant feeding and health equity for mothers and babies globally. Chair UNICEF-UK Baby Friendly Qualifications Board

105 Followers  |  113 Following  |  9 Posts  |  Joined: 09.02.2025  |  1.8756

Latest posts by profamcf.bsky.social on Bluesky

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This new paper in the Lancet shows the power of social network analysis and data visualization to convey complex connections among the global political influence of the ultra processed foods industry.

I recommend reading this entire paper: www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...

20.11.2025 13:27 β€” πŸ‘ 24    πŸ” 9    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
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Transitioning to midwifery models of care: lessons from case studies in India Limited evidence exists on how midwives, other healthcare providers, and their local communities in low- and middle-income countries experience the transition to a midwifery model of care.This stud...

Our paper on transitioning to midwifery models of care has been published. Integrating midwifery into existing health systems depends on midwives’ acceptance and perceived trustworthiness by existing health teams
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
#midwiferymodelsofcare @qmnc-research.bsky.social

18.09.2025 07:50 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Delighted to share this publication - Midwives identified essential components for successful implementation of continuity of care including reducing structural and geographical barriers, the need for capacity building and resource allocation. www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

15.08.2025 09:25 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Purple, pink and green image with WBTI and World Breastfeeding Week logos.
β€œProtect families. Support working mothers. Breastfeeding breaks and facilities at work should be a legal right - not a workplace perk.”
#WBW2015 #WorldbreastfeedingWeek #WABA #SDGs #CreateSustainableSupportSystems #PrioritiseBreastfeeding

Purple, pink and green image with WBTI and World Breastfeeding Week logos. β€œProtect families. Support working mothers. Breastfeeding breaks and facilities at work should be a legal right - not a workplace perk.” #WBW2015 #WorldbreastfeedingWeek #WABA #SDGs #CreateSustainableSupportSystems #PrioritiseBreastfeeding

#Breastfeeding / expressing breaks and suitable facilities at work should be a statutory right.Β 
See Indicator 4 in our report in Part 1 for our main findings, and in Part 2 for further details. Read More…  ukbreastfeeding.org/wbtiuk2024/Β 
#WBW2025

04.08.2025 07:18 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
48% of infants under 6 months old are exclusively breastfed. Improving breastfeeding rates could save more than 600 000 lives each year.

48% of infants under 6 months old are exclusively breastfed. Improving breastfeeding rates could save more than 600 000 lives each year.

Investing in #breastfeeding works! Around the world, millions more infants under six months old are now exclusively breastfed:

Here’s a progress scale:
⭐ 2012: 37%
⭐ 2020: 44%
⭐ 2024: 48%

By supporting breastfeeding mums, countries protect health, reduce diseases, and improve survival. πŸ’ͺ

05.08.2025 11:32 β€” πŸ‘ 135    πŸ” 33    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 3

#IntBreastfeedJ is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week!
Read about recent articles in my blog (link below)
🀱🀱🏿🀱🏼🀱🏾
#WBW2025

01.08.2025 01:38 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Building the foundations: supporting Breastmilk Feeding for Infants in Foster Care - Royal College of Midwives β€œShe said my breastmilk was not safe for my baby” β€œThey said my baby did not like my milk” β€œThey say my baby is upset after drinking my milk” β€œHe said I was making too much milk” These quotes…

World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August 2025) is celebrated every year in the first week of August. Head to our website to read 'Building the foundations: supporting Breastmilk Feeding for Infants in Foster Care'.

04.08.2025 15:47 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

🌟 Great to see the publication of this important research on medicines and breastfeeding by @swpharmres.bsky.social member Rachel Pilgrim.

πŸ“‘ You can read the full paper here
internationalbreastfeedingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....

#PharmSky #PharmacyResearch

04.08.2025 17:55 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 10    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Back home reflecting on an inspiring Nordic Midwives conference. Great talk by Jaki Lambert @rcm.org.uk on what Scotland can learn from the Nordic countries.

30.05.2025 20:01 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Analgesics and Breastfeeding. Newborn baby wrapped up, breastfeeding. #CaesareanAwarenessMonth

Analgesics and Breastfeeding. Newborn baby wrapped up, breastfeeding. #CaesareanAwarenessMonth

Today we're looking at pain relief (analgesics) after a Caesarean.

Our factsheets on what you can (and can't!) take:

Analgesics and Breastfeeding:
buff.ly/wD0aLKx

Caesarean section and Breastfeeding:
buff.ly/hDo4zau

Codeine should not be prescribed for breastfeeding mothers:
buff.ly/Xf6yD6Q

11.04.2025 09:00 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

One for a Cabalash Cafe? @qmnc-research.bsky.social

11.04.2025 19:32 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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UNICEF continues to call on parties to cease hostilities and reinstate the ceasefire.

Humanitarian aid must be allowed to enter and move freely across the Gaza Strip.

Civilians, including children and humanitarian workers, must be protected, and hostages must be released.

11.04.2025 14:26 β€” πŸ‘ 47    πŸ” 32    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 3
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ACOG joins @blackmamasmatter.bsky.social in observing #BlackMaternalHealthWeek. Black women are 3–4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This isn’t just a statisticβ€”it’s a public health crisis. ACOG is committed to fighting inequities in maternal care. #BMHW25

11.04.2025 15:02 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 10    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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How Dismantling DEI Efforts Could Make Clinical Trials Less Representative This Medical News article discusses how the Trump administration’s dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion could halt progress made in enrolling clinical trial participants who represent the p...

"Diversity is not just about race and ethnicity. Diversity is about the diversity of the human condition."

This Medical News article discusses how the dismantling of DEI efforts could lead to less representative clinical trials.

#MedSky

11.04.2025 15:09 β€” πŸ‘ 29    πŸ” 14    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 3
[ID: National Breastfeeding logo. Whether this is your first baby, or fifth baby - we're with you every step of the way! 0300 100 0212 - 24/7. Mum breastfeeding her baby with her son playing in front of her in a cardboard box.]

[ID: National Breastfeeding logo. Whether this is your first baby, or fifth baby - we're with you every step of the way! 0300 100 0212 - 24/7. Mum breastfeeding her baby with her son playing in front of her in a cardboard box.]

Wondering whether the National Breastfeeding Helpline UK can support you?

Whether this is your first baby, or fifth baby - we're with you every step of the way πŸ’œ

Call 0300 100 0212 - 24/7

Support is also available on Facebook and Instagram via DM.

11.04.2025 17:15 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Pregnant and Homeless in the UK: A Qualitative Analysis of Maternal Experiences in Temporary Accommodation A co-produced infographic summarises the experiences of mothers experiencing homelessness in pregnancy in the UK: feeling unsafe, feeling undermined as mothers and feeling unseen in midwifery blind s...

Here it is Sheena
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

11.04.2025 07:07 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Vacancies. Closing Date 15th April. Peer Supporter (Birmingham). NBH@Night Helpline Shift Leader. Closing Date 29th April. Breastfeeding Awareness Worker (Haringey). Breastfeeding Peer Supporter (Haringey - Mat Leave Cover). Find out more: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/recruitment

Vacancies. Closing Date 15th April. Peer Supporter (Birmingham). NBH@Night Helpline Shift Leader. Closing Date 29th April. Breastfeeding Awareness Worker (Haringey). Breastfeeding Peer Supporter (Haringey - Mat Leave Cover). Find out more: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/recruitment

Treasurer Vacancy. (Trustee/Governor – Voluntary Role). Closing Date: 12th May 2025. Start Date: As soon as Possible. Location: Remote. What are we looking for? A background as a chartered accountant, with experience of risk and strategy. Experience of working with public sector or charities. An understanding of charity finance will be desirable. Find out more:https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/opp/treasurer-1391

Treasurer Vacancy. (Trustee/Governor – Voluntary Role). Closing Date: 12th May 2025. Start Date: As soon as Possible. Location: Remote. What are we looking for? A background as a chartered accountant, with experience of risk and strategy. Experience of working with public sector or charities. An understanding of charity finance will be desirable. Find out more:https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/opp/treasurer-1391

There is just under a week to apply for our NBH@Night Helpline Shift Leader and Birmingham Peer Supporter roles.

Our Haringey service is also recruiting for two roles - so check those out before the end of the month.

buff.ly/PuQmLrb

Interested in our Treasurer vacancy?

buff.ly/QvykbGP

10.04.2025 09:24 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Congratulations to MIRU members Sara Cumming and Andrew Symon on their paper "Pregnant and Homeless in the UK" living in temporary accommodation negatively affects pregnant women who often feel invisible in maternity care.

10.04.2025 07:13 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1
QMNC Research Alliance Calabash Cafe Series – Quality Maternal and Newborn Care

πŸŽ₯ Join us, our colleagues at QMNC & the Birth Wars filmmaking team for a screening & discussion of power struggles shaping birth in Mexicoβ€”and the bridges that could save lives.
πŸ—“ April 23 & 24 | Free for members
➑️ Register nowβ†’ www.qmnc.org/about-qmnc/calabash-cafe/
➑️ Join QMNCβ†’ www.qmnc.org

10.04.2025 07:02 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Here’s a chance to view Birth Wars for free and participate in a discussion with other #birthresearchers. Check out the trailer here: vimeo.com/338880715

07.04.2025 14:36 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Research Impact Case Studies - Scottish Funding Council

Pleased to see impact of #LancetSeriesonMidwifery featured on Scottish Funding Council's website to mark #WorldHealthDay
www.sfc.ac.uk/research-inn...

@maryrenfrew.bsky.social @qmnc-research.bsky.social

07.04.2025 14:18 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Congratulations to to the NHS Tayside AIMS group (Addressing Inequalities in Maternity Services) including MIRU members Sara Cumming and Shona Shinwell on their silver award at the NHS Tayside Star awards last month

07.04.2025 07:42 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

We are thrilled to join Blue Sky. Please look out for posts about us and our research.

25.02.2025 16:38 β€” πŸ‘ 12    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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What do safety and risk mean to women who choose to birth at home? A systematic review Despite clear evidence to support the safety and efficacy of homebirth, the concept challenges the almost universal belief that hospital is the safest…

What do safety and risk mean to women who choose to birth at home?

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

27.02.2025 05:06 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Are you an early career researcher in any field of health? This is a great event, open to all health professions. Hear from clinical academics at different career stages, learn about research funding opportunities. Come and join us! @rcn.org.uk @rcm.org.uk @nihr.bsky.social @sandallj.bsky.social

26.02.2025 10:47 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Supporting Breastmilk Feeding for Infants in Foster Care: A Scoping Review Worldwide, around 2.7 million children are not in the care of their parents, and access to breastmilk is often absent from foster care policies. We aimed to explore the evidence available on how fost...

Congratulations to Vicky Mitchell, Shona Shinwell, Camila Biazus Dalcin and Marianne White on the publication of this important scoping review onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

27.02.2025 14:36 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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It has been a pleasure to host Professor Helen Zhai but the time has gone all too quickly. We wish Helen and Kevin safe travels back to China and look froward to our continued collaboration. @jodinechase.bsky.social

27.02.2025 17:44 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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β€œThey need to see breastfeeding so that they know how to do it”: the construction of motherhood through Instagram brelfies - International Breastfeeding Journal Background An offshoot of selfie taking is the β€œBrelfie” – a self-image capturing breastfeeding. Brelfie images and accompanying text are particularly useful to understanding how parents see themselve...

New at #IntBreastfeedJ!

"the construction of motherhood through Instagram brelfies"

internationalbreastfeedingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....

27.02.2025 04:28 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
National Science Day. 28th February. Hexagon background.

National Science Day. 28th February. Hexagon background.

Purple and green blobs. First Milk MAtter. A short training session for all that raises awareness and increases general knowledge about breastfeeding. Supporting Infant Feeding in Your Practice. OCN-endorsed 12 week course with the most up-to-date breastfeeding information, ensuring that you can effectively support mothers and families with their breastfeeding choices. Breastfeeding for Physicians. OCN-endorsed 4 hour online course for GPs and other physicians, providing the skills and knowledge to support breastfeeding patients in your practice. Visit our website to find out more about BfN course content, dates, fees, and bespoke training opportunities.

Purple and green blobs. First Milk MAtter. A short training session for all that raises awareness and increases general knowledge about breastfeeding. Supporting Infant Feeding in Your Practice. OCN-endorsed 12 week course with the most up-to-date breastfeeding information, ensuring that you can effectively support mothers and families with their breastfeeding choices. Breastfeeding for Physicians. OCN-endorsed 4 hour online course for GPs and other physicians, providing the skills and knowledge to support breastfeeding patients in your practice. Visit our website to find out more about BfN course content, dates, fees, and bespoke training opportunities.

Today is National Science Day - the perfect time to show you the courses we offer for health professionals to increase their knowledge of supporting breastfeeding mothers.

For more information, go to:
buff.ly/4hRKgLi

28.02.2025 08:00 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

@profamcf is following 20 prominent accounts