The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises breastfeeding as a critical component of infant health and feeding, and this offers numerous benefits to babies, including those with Down syndrome (World Health Organization, 2019). This presentation examines the evidence supporting the unique advantages of breastfeeding for infants with Down syndrome and its potential to optimise their health outcomes. Research indicates that breastfeeding can play a crucial role in supporting the health and development of babies with Down syndrome
Heather Miller has worked in intellectual disability health for over 20 years and is a registered nurse specialising in intellectual disability nursing, her initial nursing qualification. Her experience includes community learning disability nursing in the UK, medical undergraduate teaching in developmental disability health, content contributor in post graduate nurse education on managing the heath needs of people intellectual disability, and disability case management in the non-government sector. She currently works as a disability practice nurse in general practice. Heather holds a Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education (Community) and has been a breastfeeding educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for over 15 years. She provides education and support to expectant mothers, and mothers who are breastfeeding their baby with Down syndrome, health professionals and is a disability resource breastfeeding educator on breastfeeding and Down syndrome at ABA.
Her most rewarding job however is being mum to her nine year old son who has Down syndrome, teaching her more than anything she has learnt in her career and training!