I am a registered midwife with a clinical background that includes postnatal care and breastfeeding / infant feeding support. I have been working at the University of Canberra since 2012, convening and teaching into various undergraduate units. I also convene the post-graduate Midwifery programs and co-supervise higher degree research students. I am a practitioner member of the ACT Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. 

My Doctoral study examined the impact of the Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) in the Australian setting and provided recommendations which have informed national public health policy direction. I chair the Australian College of Midwives Advisory Committee for the BFHI in Australia. I am also an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant and accredited BFHI assessor.

I am currently working with midwifery, nursing and allied health colleagues on several projects investigating undergraduate students: the support offered to midwifery students, the nursing student’s university experience and the development of health students’ sense of cultural safety and respect.

Areas of Teaching and Research

• Postnatal issues for women and babies

• Breastfeeding and infant feeding

• The Baby Friendly Health Initiative

• Student support and the learning experience

I can be contacted by email: Marjorie.Atchan@canberra.edu.au