Personal profile
Biography
Elaine Burns is an A/Professor of Midwifery and Head of Discipline, in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, at Western Sydney University. She has an established track record as a midwifery clinician for 20 years, before commencing at Western Sydney University as a researcher and midwifery academic. Elaine’s research is focussed on breastfeeding, pre- and post-birth care, and midwifery practice/education. She is in the Top 1% of breastfeeding researchers in the Asia/Pacific and currently leads an annual conference - Infant Nutrition and Nurture Across the Early Years (INNATE) - to advance optimal infant and young child feeding. Elaine is Chair of the ‘Western Sydney Infant and Young Child Feeding Collaborative’ and Research Theme Lead for the SoNM Mother Infant Family Network (MIFam). Elaine’s work is recognised nationally and internationally with a publication track record of more than 70 peer reviewed publications, multiple book chapters and more than 60 conference/seminar presentations. Elaine is passionate about improving support for women, infants and families during pregnancy, birth and the early transition to parenting.
Related links
Qualifications
Master of Community Nursing, University of Sydney
Bachelor of Nursing, University of Wollongong
Doctor of Philosophy, Western Sydney University
Diploma of Applied Science (Nursing)
Research keywords
- Breastfeeding
- Midwifery
- Midwifery models of care
- Midwifery students
- Gender Equity
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
-
SDG 2 Zero Hunger -
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 4 Quality Education -
SDG 5 Gender Equality -
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
-
Maternity care providers perspectives and experiences of obstetric violence in low-, middle- and high-income countries: an integrative review
Collins, E. C., Burns, E. S., Keedle, H. & Dahlen, H. G., Apr 2026, In: Journal of Advanced Nursing. 82, 4, p. 2790-2809 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile4 Citations (Scopus)5 Downloads (Pure) -
"They painted a rosy view, but I would have preferred to hear the reality"- Australian women's experiences of antenatal breastfeeding education
Stein, E., Dixon, K. & Burns, E., Mar 2025, In: Women and Birth. 38, 2, 8 p., 101888.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)21 Downloads (Pure) -
A mixed methods study of the postnatal care journey from birth to discharge in a maternity service in New South Wales, Australia
Schmied, V., Myors, K., Burns, E., Curry, J., Pangas, J. & Dahlen, H. G., Dec 2024, In: BMC Health Services Research. 24, 1, 14 p., 1530.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)69 Downloads (Pure) -
Breastfeeding challenges and the impact of social support in Iranian Muslim mothers : a cross-sectional study
Soltani, S., Hosseinzadeh, M., Mirghafourvand, M., Aghajari, P. & Burns, E., 2024, In: Women and Health. 64, 2, p. 142-152 11 p., 2304898.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
4 Citations (Scopus) -
Investigating midwives and nurses reporting of 'infant feeding at hospital discharge': an online survey across NSW Australia
Henry, L., Burns, E., Jones, R., White, L., Simmons, M., Kirby, A. & Melov, S. J., Dec 2024, In: International Breastfeeding Journal. 19, 1, 11 p., 29.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)22 Downloads (Pure)
Projects
- 9 Finished
-
Supporting Vulnerable Families Through Early Years Support Service: Expansion of primary carer support
Burns, E. (PI) & Tracey, D. (Investigator)
5/02/24 → 31/01/26
Project: Research
-
Supporting Vulnerable Mothers Through Early Years Support Service: Developing Best Practice Guidelines
Tracey, D. (PI), Burns, E. (Investigator) & Sharp, N. (Investigator)
2/07/21 → 30/04/23
Project: Research
-
Women's experiences of accessing publicly available pregnancy care within SWSLHD
Burns, E. (PI) & Dahlen, H. (Investigator)
South Western Sydney Local Health District, South Western Sydney Primary Health Network Ltd
1/07/21 → 30/06/23
Project: Research
-
Mothers and Postnatal (MAP) Care @ Blacktown
Schmied, V. (PI), Burns, E. (Investigator), Dahlen, H. (Investigator) & Dadich, A. (Investigator)
20/06/19 → 30/11/23
Project: Research
-
An exploration of the Assistant in Midwifery (AIM) role in NSW Public Hospitals
Burns, E. (PI), Keedle, H. (Investigator) & Elmir, R. (Investigator)
New South Wales NURSES AND MIDWIVES' ASSOCIATION
23/04/19 → 23/04/20
Project: Research
Activities
- 1 Organisation
-
Australian College of Midwives (Event)
Burns, E. (Other)
1 Jan 1994 → 1 Jan 2024Activity: Membership › Organisation
Press/Media
HDR Theses
-
Mining for liquid gold : an analysis of the language and practices of midwives when interacting with women who are establishing breastfeeding
Burns, E. (Author), 2011Western Sydney University thesis: Doctoral thesis
File