Ep 93 Linda Sweet on a journey through birth, breastfeeding, and beyond

Ep 93 (http://ibit.ly/Re5V) Linda Sweet on a journey through birth, breastfeeding, and beyond

@PhDMidwives #research #midwifery  #education @deakin @western_health #birthingknowledge #maternalcare #obesity 

research link - t.ly/Ov88k

What does it take to transform midwifery practice through research? Linda Sweet's remarkable journey provides a masterclass in connecting clinical challenges to academic solutions that genuinely improve care.

Growing up in rural Australia without knowing what a midwife was, Linda's career trajectory took her from nursing to neonatal intensive care, where her passion for supporting new mothers was ignited. Her PhD research on breastfeeding experiences for parents of very low birth weight preterm infants revolutionized how we understand maternal experiences in neonatal units. Linda's discovery of the "objectification of breast milk" – where visible storage created harmful comparison between mothers – has influenced modern practices like using brown paper bags to preserve privacy and dignity.

The conversation weaves through Linda's impressive research portfolio, from ground breaking work on pregnancy after bariatric surgery to creating visual heat maps showing obesity prevalence across Victoria. What stands out is her commitment to research that solves real problems she witnessed first hand.  Linda embodies the clinician-researcher who bridges the gap between evidence and implementation.

Perhaps most significant is Linda's dedication to building research capacity in midwifery. Through innovative approaches like research internships, small grants, and mentoring early-career midwives, she's creating pathways that didn't exist when she began. Her international collaborations in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea demonstrate how midwifery research can transcend borders and improve global maternal health.

For anyone considering a research career or wondering how to balance clinical practice with academic pursuits, Linda offers invaluable insights about creating your own celebration rituals, finding supportive communities, and choosing paths aligned with your long-term goals. Her story proves that whether you're rescuing research from crashed computers or changing practice through heat maps, persistence and passion are the cornerstones of impactful midwifery research.

Chapters

• 0:53 Introduction to Professor Linda Sweet
• 1:19 Early Career Journey into Midwifery
• 3:31 PhD Experience and Research Focus
• 12:01 Publishing Research and Career Development
• 17:31 Breastfeeding Research and Changing Practices
• 27:35 Current Research and Academic Leadership
• 40:41 International Collaboration and Mentorship
• 49:43 Building Research Capacity in Midwifery