Mothers facing breastfeeding or infant cry-fuss and sleep problems report high levels of conflicting advice, and these common presentations are frequently exposed to expensive, low value care. Breastfeeding and unsettled baby problems increase the risk of maternal postnatal depression, yet doctors report receiving inadequate training to help. Possums (also known as Neuroprotective Developmental Care, or NDC) has been developed by an Australian GP out of decades of special interest in breastfeeding medicine and about 20 peer-reviewed research publications. In addition, nine peer-reviewed university-led studies now demonstrate the programs’ efficacy. NDC applies best practice implementation science, addressing the gap between evidence and practice and avoiding overmedicalisation and paramedicalisation.
Find out more about NDC or the Possums programs which are ACRRM CPD Approved Activities at https://ndcinstitute.com.au
NDC also uniquely addresses the fundamental interrelatedness of breastfeeding (across the whole range of lactation-related presentations) with infant sensory motor development, sleep, unsettled infant behaviour and gut concerns, and perinatal mental health, and is inclusive of the needs of parents who bottle feed. The NDC Institute provides sequential levels of upskilling, starting with Masterclasses. Anyone can drop in on our live-online monthly guest speakers. NDC Accreditation and the Lactation Fellowship are advanced options. The Fellowship is Australia’s first comprehensive upskilling for doctors with a special interest in breastfeeding medicine.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the NDC programs in rural and remote Australia was conducted by a Western Sydney University (WSU) research team, led by Professor Virginia Schmied. The 2024 report concluded that health professionals who completed the training were significantly more confident to support parents with issues relating to four major perinatal challenges– breastfeeding, infant sleep, cry-fuss and perinatal mental health and wellbeing.
Health professional findings indicated that NDC training shows promise as a cost-effective solution to a rural community need in helping health professionals provide better care for families in their community. In particular, GPs and other health professionals liked that it was directly relevant to clinical practice, evidence-based, convenient and could be completed at their own pace with guidance.
Visit possumsndc.com and ndcinstitute.com.au or email education@ndcinstitute.com.au for more information.