Amy Brown

Professor Amy Brown is a leading academic in public health research, specializing in early parenthood experiences with a focus on infant feeding, maternal mental health, and responsive parenting. She holds a position in the Department of Public Health at Swansea University, within the Joint Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science. Her work bridges academia and policy, influencing international practices through evidence-based research.

Her research emphasizes translating findings into actionable strategies for healthcare providers and policymakers. Notably, she collaborates with global organizations to improve breastfeeding support systems and address disparities in maternal healthcare access for marginalized groups, including autistic individuals and refugees. Prof. Brown is also program director for the MSc in Children's Public Health, focusing on pregnancy, birth, and postnatal impacts on child health.

Her studies explore topics like breastfeeding challenges in pediatric settings, the role of social media in maternal support, and the psychological effects of birth trauma on breastfeeding. She advocates for ethical, participatory research involving underrepresented communities, such as autistic parents and refugees. Her work frequently highlights systemic inequities in healthcare access and policy gaps affecting vulnerable populations.

Prof. Brown has supervised numerous PhD students investigating breastfeeding support, neonatal care experiences, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on family nutrition. Her contributions extend to public engagement through media commentary, blogs, and podcasts, ensuring research insights reach new parents and caregivers.

Her research has led to policy recommendations, such as scaling breastfeeding-friendly initiatives in Wales and improving mental health support for breastfeeding mothers. She also emphasizes the importance of community science projects to address gaps in formula preparation safety and infant nutrition practices.