The research team
Emma Heron
Principal Investigator
Emma is a Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist in Melbourne. She works predominantly at a public women’s hospital. Emma has completed her Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Continence and Women’s Health) and is currently undertaking her PhD through Curtin University, to help find the most effective treatment for women with inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast (e.g. blocked ducts, engorgement and mastitis).
Curtin University
Coordinating Principal Investigator and PhD primary supervisor
Leanda McKenna is an academic staff member at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia, and works clinically as a physiotherapist. One of her research focus areas is pregnancy-related issues, specifically physiotherapy assessment and treatment of mastitis.
Monash University
Research investigator and PhD supervisor
Adelle McArdle is lecturer and researcher at Monash University in Churchill, Victoria. Her research interests include population health and women and children's health, in particular the care and treatment of women suffering from lactational mastitis.
University of Western Australia
Research investigator and PhD supervisor
Donna Geddes is the director of the Human Lactation Research Group at the University of Western Australia. She has a broad range of research interests in the physiology of lactation and her findings attract much international attention.
Melinda Cooper
Clinician
PhD clinical collaborator
Melinda is a pelvic health physiotherapist with expertise in assisting women with ICLBs. She developed the Lactation for Health Professionals course and an ICLB outcome measure currently used by clinicians.