RACGP Launches National Survey on Breastfeeding Medicine
General practitioners across Australia are invited to contribute data to improve postpartum lactation support.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Sex Life
Live Poll
Do you believe GPs in your area receive adequate training to support breastfeeding and lactation?
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has launched a national survey to capture data from GPs regarding breastfeeding and lactation medicine. The research aims to address current knowledge gaps in postpartum care nationwide.
Why it matters
The study seeks to identify deficiencies in training and patient outcomes to better inform the future of breastfeeding support in primary care. Findings will directly advise the federal government on necessary improvements to lactation services.
The anonymous survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete and collects data on professional training, patient presentation volumes, and existing referral pathways.
The players
RACGP
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is the professional body responsible for the standards and education of general practice in Australia.
Senate Select Committee on Women's Health
This parliamentary body examines issues relating to the health and wellbeing of women and will receive the final findings from this study.
The details
The RACGP is collecting comprehensive feedback from qualified general practitioners to assess how clinical support for breastfeeding is currently structured. This initiative is designed to map the landscape of referral options and patient outcomes across the country.
Timeline
The national GP breastfeeding survey launched in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The study aims to formalise breastfeeding medicine within primary care, moving it away from informal advice toward a standardised, data-driven medical framework. This reflects a broader societal movement to prioritise postpartum maternal support as a core component of public health.
While the survey is directed at medical professionals, the findings are intended to improve the quality of breastfeeding support you receive at your local clinic. Future changes in primary care policy will likely streamline how your GP handles lactation referrals and postnatal health outcomes.
The takeaway
This survey marks a significant step toward standardising lactation support in Australian general practice. By participating, GPs are helping to create a more consistent and better-resourced care environment for new mothers nationwide.
Further reading
For more information on current medical approaches to reproductive health, visit Sex Life.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Racgp.
Live Poll
Do you believe GPs in your area receive adequate training to support breastfeeding and lactation?
