Melissa Buultjens is a midwife who works both clinically and as a lecturer in the School of Public Health at La Trobe University.
She recently completed her PhD, which evaluated the efficacy of a multi-faceted group program for primiparous women transitioning to parenthood, compared with routine primary care. The program integrates support for mood and coping with nutritional, physiotherapy and lifestyle advice, with the aim of reducing emotional distress at three months postpartum and supporting the transition to motherhood.
Professor Milgrom was a co-supervisor for Melissa’s PhD, and she continues to contribute to the work of the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI).