The functional anatomy of sucking and swallowing in breastfed babies: Part 2

Dr Nikki Mills is a New Zealand based paediatric ENT surgeon, who has a special clinical and research interest in breastfeeding and is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Nikki worked for many years at the Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland, moving in 2020 to Nelson Hospital in Nelson, New Zealand. In this second episode of an in-depth 3-part conversation, Pam and Nikki continue their deep dive into Nikki’s groundbreaking research. This episode focusses on her histological study of the floor of mouth fascia, her MRI study of infant swallow during breastfeeding, and her endoscopic study of airway and swallow in babies with laryngomalacia. These three studies further clarify the nature of the infant lingual and labial frenula and the biomechanics of breastfeeding. Pam and Nikki continue their discussions about the implications of this research for the clinical support of breastfeeding mother-baby pairs. 

Dr Pamela Douglas is a GP who works in breastfeeding medicine at the Possums Clinic Brisbane, with special clinical and research interest in breastfeeding, having first qualified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in 1994. Pam is a GP-researcher and founder of the evidence-based Neuroprotective Developmental Care (or 'Possums') programs www.possumsonline.com. Pam is also author of The discontented little baby book: all you need to know about feeds, sleep, and crying