Sleeping and Feeding Difficulties

Infant sleeping difficulties are a common concern for many parents, impacting not only the well-being of the baby but also the overall health of the family. Issues such as frequent awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, or irregular sleep patterns can be distressing.

Infant Sleeping Difficulties and How We Can Assist

Infant sleeping difficulties are a common concern for many parents, impacting not only the well-being of the baby but also the overall health of the family. Issues such as frequent awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, or irregular sleep patterns can be distressing. At Eaton & Australind Medical Centre, we understand the challenges these sleeping difficulties pose and offer comprehensive assessments to identify underlying causes, such as environmental factors, sleep associations, or medical issues like reflux. Our doctors can provide tailored advice and strategies to address sleeping difficulties.

Our assistance extends beyond mere consultation. We offer practical support and interventions, such as establishing a bedtime routine, sleep training methods tailored to the child’s age and development, and managing sleep environment adjustments. For more complex cases involving medical conditions that affect sleep, our team works closely with local specialists and allied health providers to address these issues, ensuring every family receives personalised care. Eaton & Australind Medical Centre is dedicated to supporting families through their infant’s sleep challenges, offering follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed, ensuring the well-being of our youngest patients and their families.

Infant Feeding Difficulties and How We Can Assist

Feeding difficulties in infants, ranging from issues with breastfeeding and bottle-feeding to transitioning to solids, can affect a child’s nutritional intake and growth. At Eaton & Australind Medical Centre, we recognise the importance of addressing these concerns promptly. Our GP obstetricians, midwives, and doctors with child health sub-specialties provide comprehensive support for breastfeeding mothers, including techniques for proper latch, managing supply issues, and advice for common breastfeeding challenges. For bottle-fed infants, we offer guidance on formula choices, feeding techniques, and addressing potential intolerances or allergies that may impact feeding.

For infants experiencing difficulties with solid food introduction, our team provides strategies to encourage acceptance of new textures and tastes, ensuring a balanced diet for healthy growth and development. Understanding that feeding difficulties can also be a source of anxiety for parents, we offer empathetic support and education to empower parents with the knowledge and confidence to manage their infant’s feeding needs. Eaton & Australind Medical Centre is committed to ensuring that every child has a positive start in their nutritional journey, providing personalised care and support to navigate the complexities of infant feeding.

Our Approach to Infant Sleeping and Feeding Difficulties

At Eaton & Australind Medical Centre, our approach to managing infant sleeping and feeding difficulties is holistic and family-centred. We believe in working closely with families to understand their unique situations, preferences, and concerns. Our goal is to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where parents feel comfortable discussing their challenges. By integrating evidence-based medical advice with practical, real-world solutions, we strive to empower families with the tools and confidence to address sleeping and feeding issues effectively. Our team continuously updates their knowledge and skills to provide the most current and comprehensive care, ensuring that families receive support during these early years.

We emphasise the importance of early intervention and the benefits of tailored strategies to meet the individual needs of each child and family. Recognising that each infant is unique, our care plans are flexible and adaptable, designed to evolve as the child grows and their needs change. Regular follow-ups and open communication are key components of our service, allowing us to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to care strategies. Eaton & Australind Medical Centre is dedicated to supporting families through all aspects of infant care, ensuring healthy development and easing the transition into parenting.

How to Make an Appointment

Families can book appointments directly through our online booking system on the Eaton & Australind Medical Centre website, which allows them to find and select suitable appointment times. For those who prefer personal interaction or have specific questions, our reception team is available to assist with bookings over the phone, providing a friendly and supportive point of contact. We understand the urgency that can accompany infant care issues and strive to offer timely appointments to address your concerns.

For new patients, a registration process ensures we gather all the necessary information to provide appropriate care. This can be completed online or upon arrival at our clinic. At Eaton & Australind Medical Centre, we are committed to offering a welcoming and understanding environment for all families.

Doctors who specialise in this treatment

Dr Jessica Barrett- currently on maternity leave

BBus(HRM), MBBS

  • General Practice

Dr. Jessica Barrett is a highly skilled General Practitioner who is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. She has a special focus on Preventative Health, Chronic Disease Management, and Mental Health, and is dedicated to helping patients make informed decisions about their well-being.

Dr. Barrett’s areas of expertise include Care Planning, Adult Vaccinations and PrEP prescribing, as well as a wide range of women’s health services such as Breast and Cervical Screening, Menopause management, and Family Planning. She also offers Pre and Antenatal Care, ensuring mothers and their babies receive the best possible care throughout pregnancy and beyond.

In addition to her focus on adult care, Dr. Barrett has a strong interest in Infant, Child, and Adolescent Health. She provides services that include Childhood Vaccinations, support for Developmental Delays, and advice on Sleeping and Feeding Difficulties.

Whether addressing chronic conditions, supporting mental health, or guiding patients through family planning and child health, Dr. Barrett is passionate about offering personalised and preventative care to every patient she sees.

Dr Ruth Campbell (nee Payne)

MBBS

  • Contraception
  • Lactation
  • Early Antenatal Care
  • Mirena and Implanon insertion
  • General Practice
  • Paediatrics / Child Health
  • Heart Kids
  • Postnatal Care
  • Premature Babies / Special Needs
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Ruth Campbell is a compassionate and experienced General Practitioner with a strong focus on women’s health, paediatrics, and special needs care. She earned her post-graduate medical degree in 2012 from the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle, receiving the Dean’s Award for her outstanding academic performance. Following her medical training, Dr. Campbell completed her internship at Rockingham Emergency Department and Fremantle Hospital, before moving to Bunbury to work in Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics.

Before becoming a doctor, Dr. Campbell had a successful career as a nurse specialising in Paediatric Intensive Care, which fostered her strong interest in caring for children with heart conditions, special needs children, and premature babies. Her medical expertise extends to contraception, early antenatal care, postnatal care, lactation, and paediatric health, with skills in Mirena and Implanon insertion.

As a mother of all boys, Dr. Campbell thrives in the joyful chaos of family life. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming, camping, bushwalking, and trips to the beach with her family, embracing the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle of the South West.

Dr Martin Gadd

MBBS(London), FRCGP(UK), FFFPRHC(UK), FRACGP, DRANZCOG, DCH, DipOccMed, Graduate Certificate in Rural and Remote Medicine (UWA), Certificate of Aviation Medicine.

  • Family Planning
  • Obstetrics
  • Paediatrics / Child Health

Dr. Martin Gadd is a highly experienced General Practitioner with a long-standing focus on Obstetrics, Women’s Health, and Child Health. He earned his medical degree from St. Mary’s Hospital in London in 1983, and since then, he has achieved numerous prestigious qualifications, including Fellowship of both the Royal College of General Practitioners (UK) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr. Gadd also holds Fellowship of the Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Medicine (UK).

His commitment to patient care is backed by a broad spectrum of specialized diplomas and certificates, including the Diploma of Child Health (London), Diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynecology (UK and Australia), and the Diploma of Occupational Medicine (UK). He also holds the Certificate of Aviation Medicine (UK) and the Certificate of Remote and Rural Medicine (UWA).

Dr. Gadd has been a valued member of the medical team at Australind and Eaton Medical Centres since 2005. His dedication to obstetric care is well-known throughout the region, and since 2006, he has provided intrapartum obstetric care at Bunbury Hospital. Dr. Gadd played a pivotal role in establishing the award-winning Bunbury Midwifery Group Practice, which offers individualized maternity care to expectant mothers, including home birth options for those for whom it is appropriate.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Gadd is passionate about medical education. He has served as an examiner for both the UK and Australian Colleges of General Practitioners and has been a Member of the RCGP International Board, where he advised on postgraduate training and standards in Brunei Darussalam. Within his practice, Dr. Gadd oversees training and clinical governance and holds a part-time academic position at the University of Western Australia’s Rural Clinical School in Bunbury, where he mentors and educates the next generation of medical professionals.

Dr. Gadd is committed to helping his patients make informed decisions about their health care, ensuring that they receive the highest standard of care tailored to their individual needs.

Dr Janelle Jurgenson

  • Child & Adolescent Health
  • Children’s Health
  • Early Antenatal Care
  • Family Planning
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Janelle Jurgenson is a highly qualified General Practitioner with a special focus on women’s health, antenatal and postnatal care, paediatrics and chronic disease management. She graduated with honours from the University of Western Australia in 2014 (MBBS Hons) and has since pursued additional training in emergency medicine, earning both an Emergency Certificate and an Emergency Diploma from Joondalup Health Campus.

Dr. Jurgenson began her general practice journey in Albany, where she completed a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology while working as a GP. Eventually, she returned to her hometown of Bunbury, where she continues to provide compassionate care to her patients. Dr. Jurgenson completed her General Practice training in 2023, through the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine at Australind Medical Centre.

As a mother of two young children, Dr. Jurgenson understands the importance of balancing family life and health. In her spare time, she enjoys keeping active, learning the guitar and spending time with her family.

Dr Hillary Patterson

BMBS, FRACGP

  • Children’s Health
  • General Practice
  • Implanon/IUD insertions
  • Mental Health
  • Minor Skin Surgery
  • Skin Cancer Checks
  • Skin Checks
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Hilary Patterson is a dedicated General Practitioner with a strong commitment to providing high-quality patient care. She graduated from Flinders University in Adelaide and began her medical career in the Northern Territory, gaining valuable experience in a range of healthcare settings. In 2012, she made the move to Western Australia, where she has been an integral part of the Eaton Medical Centre team since 2014.

Dr. Patterson brings her wealth of experience to every consultation, focusing on delivering personalised care to her patients. Her long-standing connection to the local community and dedication to patient well-being make her a trusted and valued member of the Eaton Medical Centre.

Dr Alana Prosser- currently on maternity leave

MBBS Hons (WA), DCH

  • General Practice
  • Paediatrics
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Alana Prosser is a dedicated General Practitioner with a special interest in Paediatric Medicine and Women’s Health. She graduated with Honours from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS Hons) and completed her hospital training at Fiona Stanley, Fremantle, and Bunbury Regional Hospital.

Dr. Prosser is passionate about all aspects of General Practice, with a particular focus on paediatric care. She has spent time working on the paediatric ward at Bunbury Regional Hospital and holds a Diploma of Child Health (DCH). In addition to her expertise in paediatrics, Dr. Prosser is highly skilled in Women’s Health, including intrauterine device (Mirena) insertions.

Born and raised in the South West, Dr. Prosser is committed to serving her community and plans to continue living and practicing in the region for many years to come.

Dr Celeste Williamson

MBBS, DRANZCOG, DCH

  • General Practice
  • Obstetrics
  • Paediatrics
  • Women’s Health

Dr. Celeste Williamson is a dedicated General Practitioner with a passion for family medicine, preventative health, and supporting her patients throughout their health journeys. She graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2011 with her medical degree (MBBS) and completed her internship and residency at Bunbury Regional Hospital. Dr. Williamson has pursued additional qualifications in her areas of special interest, earning a Diploma from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG) and a Diploma in Child Health (DCH).

Building on her already extensive expertise in general practice, obstetrics, paediatrics, and women’s health, Dr. Williamson loves the holistic approach that family medicine offers, helping patients of all ages with preventative care and supporting them through life’s stages.

Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Williamson enjoys the lifestyle in the South West and spending time with her young family.