Preface and Statement of Peer Review

1. Conference Overview

This publication compiles the proceedings of the ABREAST Conference, held on 15 November 2024 in Perth, Australia. The conference marked another significant milestone in advancing the science and practice of human lactation, bringing together leading experts from around the world to explore innovative research and solutions for improving maternal and infant health.

The ABREAST Conference showcased the latest developments in lactation science, featuring keynote speakers from Australia, Canada, and Denmark. These distinguished experts provided valuable global perspectives, contributing to a diverse and comprehensive examination of the many facets of human lactation. Topics covered included breastfeeding preterm infants in the NICU, improving access to perinatal services for new fathers, the breastfeeding experiences of mothers of multiple birth infants, the human milk microbiome and its role in infant allergies, breastfeeding infants with type 1 diabetes, and initiatives aimed at improving breastfeeding outcomes among urban Western Australian Aboriginal communities through continuous quality improvement efforts. These diverse topics reflect the holistic nature of the conference, which emphasised both the scientific and social dimensions of breastfeeding and lactation.

The ABREAST Network remains dedicated to fostering inclusivity, diversity, passion, and innovation in lactation research. This commitment is evident not only in the range of research topics presented, but also in the network’s continued drive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of mothers, infants, and communities worldwide. The ABREAST Conference creates a platform for collaboration, bringing together researchers, clinicians, students, and community stakeholders to exchange knowledge and insights in a dynamic and engaging environment.

This year’s conference was once again a resounding success, with 140 total registrations and a strong slate of high-quality research submissions. A total of 22 manuscripts, including those from invited and keynote speakers, were considered for inclusion in the conference proceedings. Of these, 6 manuscripts were accepted for oral presentation and 16 for poster presentation, and 22 manuscripts have been published as part of this volume. This publication will serve as a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of human lactation and its critical role in maternal and infant health.

In conclusion, the 2024 ABREAST Conference was another highly successful and impactful event. It reinforced the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the ongoing advancement of research in the field of human lactation. The conference continues to inspire new research, foster innovation, and support policies that promote breastfeeding and improve maternal and infant health outcomes globally.

2. Conference Committees

2.1. Organising Committee

• Mrs. Jacki L. McEachran, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Dr. Zoya Gridneva, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Prof. Donna T. Geddes, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Dr. Sharon L. Perrella, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Dr. Ching-Tat Lai, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

2.2. Scientific Committee

• Dr. Zoya Gridneva, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Assoc/Prof. Debra J. Palmer, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Australia.
• Assoc/Prof. Nicolas L. Taylor, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Prof. Donna T. Geddes, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Dr. Ching-Tat Lai, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

2.3. Chairs

• Session I: Prof. Donna T. Geddes, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Session II: Dr Sharon L. Perrella, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Session III: Assoc/Prof Debbie J. Palmer, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Australia.
• Session IV: Prof. Donna T. Geddes, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

2.4. Technical Chairs

• Dr. Ching-Tat Lai, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Mrs. Jacki L. McEachran, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

2.5. Registration Chairs

• Ms. Ashleigh H. Warden, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Ms. Sarah G. Abelha, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Mrs. Jacki L. McEachran, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

2.6. Conference Judges—Student Poster Presentations

• Assoc/Prof. Debbie J. Palmer, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Australia.
• Prof. Donna T. Geddes, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Assoc/Prof. Nicolas L. Taylor, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Dr. Matthew Payne, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Dr. Leon Mitoulas, Medela AG, Switzerland.
• Mr. Phillip Vlaskovski, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

2.7. Editors

• Dr. Zoya Gridneva, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Prof. Donna T. Geddes, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Dr. Nicolas L. Taylor, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Assoc/Prof. Debra J. Palmer, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Australia.
• Dr. Ching-Tat Lai, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Mrs. Jacki L. McEachran, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

2.8. Proceedings Compilation Team

• Dr. Zoya Gridneva, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Mrs. Jacki L. McEachran, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

3. Student Prize Winners—Sponsored by Nutrients (MDPI)

• Frist Prize—Ms. Jasmine Hunt, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Second Prize—Ms Claudia Rich, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Third Prize—Ms Xuehua Jin, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

4. Statement of Peer Review

When submitting conference proceedings to the journal Proceedings, the volume’s editors notify the publisher that they carried out a peer review of all published papers. Reviews were conducted by expert referees while upholding all the professional and scientific standards expected of the Proceedings journal.

• Type of peer review: single-blind.
• Conference submission management system: Email.
• Number of submissions sent for review: 22.
• Number of submissions accepted: 22.
• Acceptance rate (number of submissions accepted/number of submissions received): 100%.
• Average number of reviews per paper: 2.
• Total number of reviewers involved: 5.