Dr. Ashley Robinson is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Doctor of Public Health in active clinical practice in New York City, where she has been supporting breastfeeding families for seven years through her private lactation practice. As both a Certified Lactation Educator and Certified Labor Doula, Dr. Robinson brings comprehensive perinatal expertise to her work with families navigating the feeding journey.
Dr. Robinson’s doctoral research in public health examined how partner support impacts breastfeeding outcomes—findings that informed her book, The Supportive Partner: The Expert Guide for Dads Supporting Breastfeeding (IngramSpark). While partner engagement is a particular area of expertise, her clinical practice encompasses the full spectrum of lactation support, from prenatal education through complex breastfeeding challenges and beyond.
What sets Dr. Robinson apart is her ability to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice. Her presentations draw on years of hands-on clinical experience supporting diverse families, combined with rigorous academic training and evidence-based research. Whether discussing the infant microbiome, navigating common breastfeeding challenges, or developing inclusive support systems, she delivers content that is both scientifically sound and immediately applicable.
Dr. Robinson is committed to advancing lactation care through clinical excellence, research, and education. Her work centers on evidence-based practice, health equity, and family-centered care that recognizes the essential role of all caregivers in supporting breastfeeding success.
Dr. Ashley Robinson, DrPH, IBCLC, is a Doctor of Public Health and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with seven years of clinical experience in private practice in New York City. A Certified Lactation Educator and Certified Labor Doula, she brings comprehensive perinatal expertise to her work supporting breastfeeding families. Dr. Robinson is the author of The Supportive Partner: An Expert Guide for Dads Supporting Breastfeeding (Barnes & Noble Press) and conducts research on breastfeeding outcomes and partner engagement.
Dr. Ashley Robinson, a Doctor of Public Health and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, has spent seven years in the trenches of lactation practice in New York City while also conducting research on breastfeeding outcomes. She’s here to share what works in real families, backed by real science.
Abstract:
Introduction: The most significant influence on a mother’s breastfeeding decision is based on the father’s attitude or perceived attitude (Rempel and Rempel, 2011). The objective of this evidence-based practice (EBP) research is to determine if fathers with newborns are provided with breastfeeding education, will their attitudes change favorably towards breastfeeding.
Methodology: This EBP intervention is based on the behavioral theories of attitude change (Hovland et al., 1953). The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) was used for measuring attitudes. EBP is a 30-minute breastfeeding educational video, based on the Infant and Young Child Feeding Counseling: An Integrated Course (DeLaMore et al., 1999; World Health Organization and UNICEF, 2006).
Results: Evaluation of data was completed by running the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality for pre-and post-intervention, where it was determined that the data were normally distributed (p=0.240 and p=0.746, respectively). Paired samples t-test showed p<0.001 for IIFAS scores resulting in a statistically significant change. Finally, the mean for pre-intervention started in the neutral attitude range, while the post-intervention mean fell in the “positive attitude towards breastfeeding” range (DeLaMore et al., 1999).
Conclusion: Based on statistical analysis, the intervention was successful in a positive change in attitude towards breastfeeding, and the intervention should continue to be utilized for future success in the pediatrician’s office.
Keywords: breastfeeding, fathers’ attitudes, Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale
Human milk contains a living microbiome that supports infant gut and immune development. Current research shows that milk delivers bacteria, prebiotics, and immune factors that shape early colonization and influence long-term health. This presentation reviews the composition of the milk microbiome, its functions, and the factors that alter it. Key influences include birth mode, maternal diet, antibiotic exposure, and feeding method. The session explains how direct breastfeeding supports microbial transfer and how milk handling affects microbial diversity. Clinical guidance for IBCLCs focuses on protecting this ecosystem through evidence-based practices that support maternal health, responsive feeding, and safe milk management. Emerging studies highlight links between milk microbiome diversity and risks of allergy, obesity, and inflammatory disease. Attendees will gain practical tools to support families and understand the growing science behind the human milk microbiome.
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
IBLCE Detailed Content Outline: (I, V, VI, VII)
