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 are 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: 30.
• Number of submissions accepted: 30.
• Acceptance rate (number of submissions accepted/number of submissions received): 100%.
• Average number of reviews per paper: 2.
• Total number of reviewers involved: 4.
• Any additional information on the review process: not applicable.

This publication collates the proceedings of the ABREAST Conference held on 10 November 2023 in Perth, Australia.

The ABREAST Conference showcases the significant steps taken in advancing human lactation research. The collaboration between the ABREAST Network and the Geddes Hartmann Human Lactation Research Group, as well as the launch of The University of Western Australia’s Centre for Human Lactation Research and Translation, reflect a commitment to promoting knowledge, innovation, and positive impacts in the field.

The conference featured keynote speakers from Australia, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom, providing a global perspective and contributing to a diverse and comprehensive exploration of topics related to human lactation. The range of research topics covered, from breastfeeding after Caesarean birth to milk composition and production, colostrum, human milk, allergy prevention, and the impact of milk on infant growth and development, illustrated a holistic approach to understanding and supporting breastfeeding.

The ABREAST Network emphasises inclusivity, diversity, passion, and innovation in lactation research, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of mothers, infants, and communities worldwide. The interactive, hybrid platform provided by the ABREAST Conference has successfully created an environment for researchers, students, clinicians, and the community to exchange knowledge and insights.

The conference was well received, with a total of 161 registrations; 30 manuscripts, including invited and keynote speakers, were considered and accepted for presentation, and 23 manuscripts were published. This publication will serve as a valuable resource for those interested in advancing their understanding of human lactation.

Overall, the ABREAST Conference was a successful and impactful event, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the advancement of research in the field of human lactation.

• Organising Committee

• Ms. 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. Lisa F. Stinson, 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.

• Scientific Committee

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

• Chairs

• Session I

• Prof. John P. Newnham, AM, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Prof. Donna T. Geddes, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Dr. Lisa F. Stinson, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

• Session II

• Dr. Sharon L. Perrella, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Clinical Assoc/Prof. Mary Sharp, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Australia.

• Session III

• Dr. Lisa F. Stinson, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Assoc/Prof. Debra J. Palmer, Telethon Kids Institute, Australia.

• Session IV

• Prof. Donna T. Geddes, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Dr. Zoya Gridneva, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

• Technical Chairs

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

• Registration Chairs

• Ms. Ashleigh H. Warden, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Ms. Grace C. McLoughlin, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Ms. Jacki L. McEachran, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

• Conference Judges—Student Poster Presentations

• Dr. Alexandra D. George, The Baker Institute, Australia.
• Assoc/Prof. Debra J. Palmer, Telethon Kids Institute, Australia.
• Dr. Stuart A. Prosser, Western Obstetrics, Australia.
• Dr. Luoyang Ding, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Prof. Valerie Verhasselt, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Clinical Assoc/Prof. Mary Sharp, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Australia.
• Ms. Holly Tickner, Next Bite Feeding, Australia.

• Student Prize Winners—sponsored by Nutrients (MDPI)

• First Prize—Maheshwar Bhasin, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Second Prize—Sophie A. Hughes, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Third Prize—Jie Ma, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

• Editors

• Dr. Zoya Gridneva, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Prof. Donna T. Geddes, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Assoc/Prof. Debra J. Palmer, Telethon Kids Institute, Australia.
• Dr. Nicolas L. Taylor, The University of Western Australia, Australia.
• Ms. Jacki L. McEachran, The University of Western Australia, Australia.

• Proceedings Compilation Team

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