Dr Kavita Thanakrishnan was nominated for an Alumnae Award by her proud husband who said his wife’s days of campaigning against injustice started at MLC School. At the age of nine, in Year 4, Kavita organised a cake drive fundraiser at the School to raised money for an orphanage in India. Many more actions for social justice and equality followed, and now she is the first Australian Medical Fellow of Breastfeeding Medicine who is working hard to make Breastfeeding Medicine a recognised specialty in Australia in order to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Kavita has been a doctor for over 15 years. She loves all facets of medicine but has a specialised interest in children’s and women’s health. Before becoming a General Practitioner, Kavita worked for six years in Paediatrics at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network in both city and regional hospitals, which included a position at the Neonatal Intensive Care at the Royal Hospital for Women. She has also completed a Diploma of Child Health at the University of New South Wales and attained a Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioner (RACGP).

Kavita is a Lactation Consultant and member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. She is experienced in the model of Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC) and is a Possums NDC Practitioner. She is also certified in the Thompson Breastfeeding method and has over ten years’ experience in the assessment and management of tongue tie (ankyloglossia); experience gained from her time on post-natal wards at the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick and in the community. She is passionate about improving breastfeeding support and education. She is a Shared Antenatal Care provider affiliated with the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Royal Hospital for Women, Concord Hospital, Canterbury Hospital and the Royal North Shore Hospital.

Kavita loves helping parents navigate the labyrinth of infant medicine in those first two year of life. In her practice, she has set up free resources for all mothers and continues to bulk bill to ensure equal access for all. Kavita is also unfailingly available to anyone who asks for help and spends hours volunteering and helping people outside of work.

MLC School commends Kavita’s unwavering dedication to parents and babies, and to the promotion of breast-feeding medicine. Through her tireless advocacy and promotion, Kavita has improved the health outcomes of countless families. Her passion for this cause is inspiring, and her contributions are invaluable in promoting maternal and child well-being. We celebrate Kavita’s remarkable commitment and the positive impact she will continue to make in the lives of mothers, babies, and communities everywhere.