My Journey
From Midwife to Breastfeeding Advocate
Meet midwife and breastfeeding expert Dr Robyn Thompson, who has dedicated her career to helping women overcome painful breastfeeding complications and building connections with their babies.
With over 50 years of experience in midwifery, Dr Thompson's research led her to develop The Thompson Method, a gentle and intuitive approach to breastfeeding that has helped thousands of mothers worldwide.
More than 50 years ago, I started working as a midwife. My children were both at school and the time had come for me to pursue my passion. I loved nursing and had built a solid foundation of knowledge and experience. However, I was drawn to Midwifery. It was my calling.
My own breastfeeding experience was uncomplicated. I had no education. It just happened. However, my birth experience was different and I encountered some very stressful situations, even as a nurse. I also endured the anguish and heartbreak of a stillborn baby.
I commenced my midwifery career in the hospital system and enjoyed a fulfilling career for 20 years. By chance, I was invited to attend a home birth in my local community. I didn’t even know it was a thing! I was immediately hooked and went on to become a homebirth midwife for 25 years.
Being my inquisitive self, I began to notice something. So many women were coming to see me after being discharged from hospital experiencing painful breastfeeding complications, when the women I was working with at home were not. Why was this happening? I made it my mission to find out WHY.
I spent many years visiting women in their homes helping them overcome these painful complications. I realised that something I was doing was different to what was happening in the hospital system. And it seemed to be working. I had diligently taken notes on these amazing women, with their permission, which later became the basis of my PhD research.
My research clearly showed that women were being rushed through the system and whose babies were being forced to their breasts, often resulting in painful nipple trauma. This gave me the confidence to question what was happening and to suggest alternative ways of breastfeeding that were more gentle and intuitive.
After being awarded a PhD (at the age of 70), my work evolved into the Thompson Method and with the guidance of my daughter created The Thompson Method Online Breastfeeding Program.
I’ve now been blessed with being able to help thousands of mothers around the world avoid and overcome painful breastfeeding complications, bond with their babies and build beautiful connections that last a lifetime, through our online education.
My Journey
More than 50 years ago, I started working as a midwife.
My children were both at school and the time had come for me to pursue my passion. I loved nursing and had built a solid foundation of knowledge and experience. However, I was drawn to Midwifery. It was my calling.
My own breastfeeding experience was uncomplicated. I had no education. It just happened. However, my birth experience was different and I encountered some very stressful situations, even as a nurse. I also endured the anguish and heartbreak of a stillborn baby.
I commenced my midwifery career in the hospital system and enjoyed a fulfilling career for 20 years. By chance, I was invited to attend a home birth in my local community. I didn’t even know it was a thing! I was immediately hooked and went on to become a homebirth midwife for 25 years.
Being my inquisitive self, I began to notice something. So many women were coming to see me after being discharged from hospital experiencing painful breastfeeding complications, when the women I was working with at home were not. Why was this happening? I made it my mission to find out WHY.
I spent many years visiting women in their homes helping them overcome these painful complications. I realised that something I was doing was different to what was happening in the hospital system. And it seemed to be working. I had diligently taken notes on these amazing women, with their permission, which later became the basis of my PhD research.
My research clearly showed that women were being rushed through the system and whose babies were being forced to their breasts, often resulting in painful nipple trauma. This gave me the confidence to question what was happening and to suggest alternative ways of breastfeeding that were more gentle and intuitive.
After being awarded a PhD (at the age of 70), my work evolved into the Thompson Method and with the guidance of my daughter created The Thompson Method Online Breastfeeding Course
I’ve now been blessed with being able to help thousands of mothers around the world avoid and overcome painful breastfeeding complications, bond with their babies and build beautiful connections that last a lifetime, through our online education.
Come join the family!
Learn how to be fully prepared for breastfeeding and give your baby the best start in life.
LEARN ABOUT THE THOMPSON METHOD BREASTFEEDING PROGRAMCome join the family!
Learn how to be fully prepared for breastfeeding and give your baby the best start in life.
LEARN ABOUT THE THOMPSON METHOD BREASTFEEDING COURSE
The Thompson Method provides evidence-based education, gentle guidance, and 24/7 support so women can breastfeed for as long as they choose—confidence-full and pain-free.
Breastfeeding Programs
For Pregnant Women
For Breastfeeding Women
For Health Professionals
1:1 Breastfeeding Consultation
Get Certified
Gift Vouchers
Other Resources
Breastfeeding Guide
Help Centre
Download App
Blog
Contact
Need to speak to someone? Call Joanne Thompson on +61 419 315 948 or Private Message on Facebook.
Copyright © The Thompson Method. All Rights Reserved.
Made with 🖤 by 4 Good
The Thompson Method provides evidence-based education, gentle guidance, and 24/7 support so women can breastfeed for as long as they choose—confidence-full and pain-free.
Breastfeeding Programs
For Pregnant Women
For Breastfeeding Women
For Health Professionals
1:1 Breastfeeding Consultation
Get Certified
Gift Vouchers
Other Resources
Breastfeeding Guide
Help Centre
Download App
Blog
Contact
Need to speak to someone? Call Joanne Thompson on +61 419 315 948 or Private Message on Facebook.
Copyright © The Thompson Method. All Rights Reserved.
Made with 🖤 by 4 Good