Why is breastfeeding difficult for many women?
Because many hospital systems work against a woman's desire and ability to breastfeed.
✖ Forceful Techniques
Many mothers report receiving outdated and inconsistent breastfeeding advice, which can sometimes contribute to challenges such as nipple discomfort and make it harder to sustain breastfeeding. With the right guidance and support, these issues can often be prevented.
✖ The Cascade of Intervention
Many mothers experience interventions during labour that, while intended to support the birthing process, may create additional challenges when it comes to establishing breastfeeding. Understanding your options and preparing for your breastfeeding journey can help you navigate these challenges with confidence.
✖ Mother-Baby Separation
Early skin-to-skin contact and the first breastfeed—often referred to as The 3 Golden Hours—are invaluable for mother-baby bonding and the breastfeeding journey. Some routine procedures in hospitals may unintentionally delay these moments. Understanding how to advocate for uninterrupted time with your baby can help ensure this precious window is preserved.
More than a technique.
The Thompson Method is an evidence-based approach to breastfeeding, grounded in an anatomical understanding of the breastfeeding mother and her baby.
But it's about more than technique. It's about belief.
★ We believe every baby should be born in their own time, not at the convenience of hospital policy, which places both women and health professionals under pressure and can derail breastfeeding.
★ We believe forceful breastfeeding techniques should be avoided at all costs. Rather, a woman should be encouraged to trust that she and her baby innately know what to do.
★ We believe a woman should be respected for her strength to give birth to her baby, with the full support of how incredible both she and her baby are.
Meet The Women Behind The Thompson Method
Dr Robyn Thompson, OAM
Founder of The Thompson Method
RM, RN, M&CH, BAppSc, PhD
After spending decades guiding women through labour and birth as a midwife, Dr Robyn made a curious observation: Women who gave birth to their babies at home had significantly better breastfeeding outcomes than those who gave birth in hospital.
Dr Robyn made it her mission to find out why that was the case and, at the age of 70, she was awarded a PhD for her research and contribution to breastfeeding.
Her seven years of PhD research became the basis for The Thompson Method, and her online programs have helped tens of thousands of women prevent and overcome common breastfeeding challenges.
READ MORE ABOUT DR ROBYN
Rachael Austin
Head of Education M.AdCM, RN, RM, CF&MH, TMBP, IBCLC
Rachael is a nurse and midwife with 25 years of experience in both the hospital system and in private practice.
She joined The Thompson Method Team to help women around the world successfully navigate pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early parenting and leads up the Breastfeeding Academy.
Dawn Shalom
Midwife & Breastfeeding Practitioner
Dawn is a registered, endorsed midwife with 25 years experience. She is originally from the UK and emigrated to Australia in 2008. In her practice as a midwife she observed so many women who struggled to breastfeed, many of whom were experiencing painful nipples. This inspired her to become proficient in The Thompson Method to help women regain control over their breastfeeding journeys.
Sarah Jackson
Certified Breastfeeding Practitioner EEN, TMBP, IBCLC
Sarah's 14 years of nursing experience led her to become a fierce advocate for women's rights within the hospital system.
Sarah has professional experience in mental health, and understands the challenges faced by many breastfeeding mothers, and is passionate about supporting them.
Kelly Faytrouni
Certified Breastfeeding Practitioner RN, TMBP, IBCLC
In addition to offering online breastfeeding consultations, Kelly works as a nurse on a maternity/postnatal ward, providing breastfeeding assistance to mothers and newborns in the infant feeding room.
Kelly's breastfeeding challenges with her sixth baby reignited her passion for breastfeeding education, and she now dedicates herself to guiding, nurturing, and supporting mothers along their breastfeeding journeys.
Tamika Coffey
Head of Admin, Australia
Tamika Coffey is a devoted mother of three and currently serves as the Club Admin Team Leader for Thompson Method in Australia. Tamika's top priority is the well-being of the Thompson Method members, and she works tirelessly to ensure that their needs are met. Her dedication and commitment towards supporting new mothers in their breastfeeding journey is truly commendable. In addition to her role at Thompson Method, Tamika is also a qualified mechanic. Her diverse skills and expertise make her a valuable asset to the team.
Susanna Jackson
Head of Admin, UK
Mother of two, Susanna Jackson is Club Admin Team Leader, UK. She is a proud graduate of the Breastfeeding Academy and holds a certification as a Thompson Method Breastfeeding Educator. Susanna's commitment to the Thompson Method and its members is truly commendable. She strives to make a positive difference in the lives of mothers and their babies, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary for a successful breastfeeding experience.
THE THOMPSON METHOD PROGRAMS
Evidence-Based Breastfeeding Education
The Thompson Method can work for every mother and baby.
Real results, backed by research.
"If we get women feeling confident and capable with their first two breastfeeds, it sets women up for successful breastfeeding for the next six months. And that's what we're doing here with The Thompson Method."
Professor Sue Kildea
● Former Head of Research, Mater Mothers' Hospital (one of Australia's largest maternity hospitals)
● Former Director, Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, Charles Darwin University
The Pay It Forward Program
We believe every woman, regardless of financial circumstances, should be able to receive guidance and support for her breastfeeding journey. Through Pay It Forward, we provide complimentary access to women and midwives who are not in a position to purchase a Thompson Method online program.
APPLY NOW
Breastfeeding Guide
Access practical tips to dramatically improve breastfeeding outcomes.
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