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Professor of Child Public Health, Swansea University

Professor Amy Brown is based in the Department of Public Health, Social Sciences and Policy at Swansea University where she directs the centre for Lactation, Infant Feeding and Translation (LIFT).

A psychologist by background, Amy explores psychological, social and cultural influences upon maternal and infant health and wellbeing through pregnancy, birth and the early years.

Amy specialises in research around how babies are fed; whether they are breast or formula fed, how they are introduced to solid foods, and the impact these decisions could have on their long term eating behaviour and weight. In particular, her research focusses on why feeding babies is a public health issue, affected heavily by societal and cultural beliefs and behaviours, and therefore why responsibility for feeding should not lie solely with the mother. Her research seeks to develop interventions to improve infant feeding choices targeted at wider society rather than individual mothers alone.

Amy has a particular interest in how societal perceptions and understanding of normal baby behaviour can affect how babies are fed and cared for in their early months. She seeks to tackle myths around the 'good baby' who sleeps and needs little interaction, and instead promote better support and value for new parents in order for them to have more space to care responsively for their baby and their needs. She has developed a series of animations based on here research findings to help share messages about what is normal for babies, and how we can better support parents
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoflLgxNjBdyr7i2Zx-ArwTEU2PwXWgf4

Finally, Amy's research examines influences on maternal mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy, birth and the early years. She has published papers exploring the interaction between birth and infant feeding and subsequent maternal well being (including postnatal depression, maternal identity and parenting confidence). She has also examined how messages in baby care books, social media, and parenting forums can improve or damage maternal wellbeing in the early years.

Amy is author to four infant feeding books both published by Pinter and Martin.

Informed is Best: How to spot fake news about your pregnancy, birth and baby
http://www.pinterandmartin.com/informed-is-best

The Positive Breastfeeding Book: Everything you need to feed your baby with confidence
http://www.pinterandmartin.com/the-positive-breastfeeding-book.html

Breastfeeding Uncovered: Who really decides how we feed our babies
http://www.pinterandmartin.com/breastfeeding-uncovered.html

Why Starting Solids Matters
http://www.pinterandmartin.com/why-starting-solids-matters.html

Experience

  • 2014–present
    Associate Professor Child Public Health, Swansea University
  • 2018–present
    Professor Child Public Health, Swansea University
  • 2011–2014
    Senior Lecturer Childhood Studies, Swansea University
  • 2007–2011
    Lecturer Childhood Studies, Swansea University

Education

  • 2010 
    Swansea University, PhD
  • 2005 
    Swansea University, MSc Social Research Methods (Distinction)
  • 2003 
    Swansea University, BSc Psychology (First class hons)

Publications

  • 2018
    The Positive Breastfeeding Book: Everything you need for feeding your baby with confidence, Pinter and Martin
  • 2017
    Why starting solids matters, Pinter and Martin
  • 2016
    Breastfeeding Uncovered, Pinter and Martin