Sarah Ayers, PharmD

Dr Sarah Ayers is a clinical pharmacist and assistant professor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy in Abilene, Texas, USA, specializing in obstetric and lactation pharmacology and adult medicine. She completed a two-year pharmacotherapy residency at TTUHSC in Lubbock, Texas, USA and has made significant clinical and research contributions to TTUHSC’s InfantRisk Center in Amarillo, Texas, USA. Dr Ayers’s professional interests include optimizing medication safety in mothers and infants, evidence-based medicine, and advancing pharmacist involvement in perinatal care.

Weighing the evidence: GLP-1 medications and the breastfeeding dyad

GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and the newly approved oral orforglipron are reshaping postpartum weight management, and lactation consultants are increasingly the first call when patients ask whether they can keep breastfeeding. This session reviews the current evidence on GLP-1 transfer into milk, the indirect effects of medication use on the mother-infant dyad, and practical strategies to support continued breastfeeding without compromising maternal health.

Lisa Amir, MBBS, Mmed, PhD, IBCLC

Professor Lisa Amir is a general practitioner and lactation consultant. She has been continually certified as an IBCLC since 1989. She works in breastfeeding medicine at The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. She is a Principal Research Fellow at the Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Australia. She is the author of over 160 peer-reviewed articles. She was Editor-in-Chief of the International Breastfeeding Journal from 2006 to 2026.

Mastitis: research and reflections

Mastitis, or inflammation of the breast, is a common problem for breastfeeding women, yet poorly understood. My research on mastitis includes audits, surveys, microbiology, interviews and exploratory work on milk analysis. In this presentation, I describe the current understanding of lactational mastitis, share recent research and describe the evidence for management strategies.

Janice Clarke, BS, IBCLC

Janice Clarke (pronounced Ja-niece), she/her, is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, IBCLC, and the founder of JC Lactation Counseling, a Bronx-based private practice offering prenatal breastfeeding education and postpartum lactation support. Her journey into lactation consulting began
after experiencing her own breastfeeding challenges following the birth of her son in 2019.
With a background in public health and environmental health and safety, Janice transitioned into lactation work to address racial disparities in breastfeeding support and provide culturally competent care. She has trained through the Center for Breastfeeding, becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), completed
the LER Lactation Consultant Bridge Course, and earned over 500 clinical hours through one-on-one mentorship and hospital internships. In addition to her private practice, she works with Public Health Solutions’ New York City Breastfeeding Warmline and has presented at multiple breastfeeding advocacy events and breastfeeding coalitions/associations. Janice is passionate about empowering parents with evidence-based guidance and creating a supportive community for lactating families.

The unique challenges of Black breastfeeding

The unique challenges of Black breastfeeding explores the historical, cultural, and systemic factors that shape breastfeeding experiences for Black women and birthing people in the United States, from the legacy of slavery and targeted formula marketing to racial bias and health disparities. Participants will examine deeply rooted breastfeeding myths in Black communities, their impact on milk production and breastfeeding duration, and the role of cultural humility in providing equitable lactation support. This presentation also addresses actionable steps for improving representation and opportunity for BIPOC professionals within the lactation field.

Anita Moorhead, PHD, RN, RM, IBCLC

Dr Anita Moorhead Anita is a Clinical Midwife Consultant (Lactation), Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne and is an Adjunct Associate Research Fellow at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. She was the Trial Coordinator for the DAME (Diabetes and Antenatal Milk Expressing) randomised controlled trial. Anita has worked in the fields of midwifery, neonatal paediatrics, early parenting, lactation services and nursing management. She has collaborated on a number of breastfeeding papers, hospital and state based clinical guidelines and breastfeeding reports.

Findings from the antenatal expressing DAME trial

A presentation of the findings from the antenatal milk expressing DAME trial will be presented. This includes a summary of the trial studies including discussion of the qualitative study and implications for clinical practice will be presented.

Ana Lopes, PhD, SLT

Ana Cláudia Lopes, PhD, is a speech-language therapist specializing in maternal and child health, with a focus on breastfeeding and early feeding. She holds a master’s degree in Orofacial Motricity and Swallowing, as well as postgraduate training in Pediatric Nutrition, Breastfeeding, and Humanitarian Action. She completed her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Aveiro, where her research focused on breastfeeding among migrant populations. Her work bridges clinical practice, research, and global health, with experience in low-resource and humanitarian settings. She has contributed to international health missions and multidisciplinary initiatives aimed at improving maternal and infant outcomes. Her research and clinical work focus on breastfeeding support, health equity, and the integration of speech-language therapy into primary healthcare systems.

Voices of migrant mothers: breastfeeding support to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers

This presentation explores the experiences of migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking mothers in accessing breastfeeding support across different healthcare contexts. It highlights barriers and facilitators to care, drawing on lived experiences to inform more equitable and culturally responsive practices. The aim is to strengthen professional awareness and improve support strategies for diverse maternal populations.

Sherene Loi, MD, PhD

Professor Sherene Loi is a Medical Oncologist specialized in breast cancer treatment as well as a clinician scientist (group leader) with expertise in genomics, immunology and drug development at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia. She is recognised internationally as a leading clinician scientist whose work has led to new insights into the breast cancer immunology field as well as leading international clinical trials in breast cancer immunotherapy.
To date, she has published over 390 peer-reviewed research articles with a lifetime H-index of >113 (Scopus). Her recent work has been highly influential: she has been ranked in the top 1% of highly cited researchers globally by the Web of Science since 2018. She Co-Chairs the International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) based in Bern, Switzerland, one of the largest global academic breast cancer trial cooperative groups. She is a current holder of the Inaugural National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) of Australia Endowed Chair and in 2021 received one the Prime Ministers’ Awards for Science.

Parity and lactation enhances immunity and protects against breast cancer

Women who have been pregnant and breastfed their children have lower rates of breast cancer, but the biological reasons for this protection have remained unclear. This presentation explores the relationship between pregnancy, breastfeeding, and breast cancer risk, and examines how these experiences strengthen the body’s immune system to provide long-term protection against the disease. Understanding these natural protective mechanisms could help researchers develop new prevention strategies that benefit all women, while also highlighting the important long-term health benefits of breastfeeding beyond infant nutrition.

James Kinross, BSc(Hons), MBBS, PhD, FRCS(Gen)

Prof James Kinross is an associate professor of surgery, scientist and bestselling author. He operates at the frontier where human gut microbiome converges with AI and clinical practices. He is head of colorectal surgery at Imperial College NHS trust, UK.

Wilding the newborn gut: breastfeeding’s microbial inheritance

Breast milk contains a diverse set of microbes, and its oligosaccharides shape the developing gut. This
talk explains how the breast microbiome defines health for mother and infant.

Chompoonut Topothai, MD, MPH, PhD

Dr Chompoonut Topothai is a medical doctor and public health researcher based in Thailand, with expertise in maternal and child health, breastfeeding promotion, and the regulation of commercial milk formula (CMF) marketing. She holds a Medical Degree, a Master of Public Health, and a PhD, which focuses on the implementation of the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes as national law, with a particular focus on Thailand’s national legislation, known as the Thai Code. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed international journals on breastfeeding and CMF marketing regulation.
She is a passionate advocate for evidence-based breastfeeding promotion and for protecting mothers and families from unethical CMF marketing practices. With real experience working at the intersection of research, policy, and practice, she was actively involved in the formulation and adoption of the Thai Code as national law, and served as a focal point for its implementation before starting her PhD. This firsthand experience directly informs her research and gives her a unique perspective bridging the gap between evidence generation and policy action.

From policy to practice: implementing the WHO Code as national law- international experiences and Thailand’s case study

Commercial milk formula (CMF) marketing remains a significant threat to breastfeeding, even in countries that have enacted national laws based on the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Drawing on a systematic review of international evidence and a case study of Thailand’s national legislation, this presentation examines the outcomes and determinants of implementing the WHO Code across countries, the ongoing challenges in controlling CMF marketing despite legal frameworks, and the perspectives of key stakeholders, including mothers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, on realworld implementation. The session concludes with practical recommendations for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers seeking to strengthen CMF marketing regulation at the country level.

Laura Patterson, IBCLC

Laura Patterson became passionate about breastfeeding support after her own struggles with breastfeeding. She met her goals with the collective support of her midwives and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). She graduated from a Lactation Medicine Program, pathway 3, where she completed a comprehensive and rigorous clinical placement, and, as part of her training, attained over 500 hours of clinical experience working with breastfeeding families under the direct supervision of IBCLCs and pediatricians. Since obtaining her IBCLC certification in 2017, Laura has worked in diverse clinical settings, including a large breastfeeding clinic, a pediatric clinic, private practice and currently in a community health centre. Laura is the current President of the Canadian Lactation Consultant Association. She has been working on recognition of the IBCLC credential since she was student and hopes to see recognition and integration become the norm for IBCLC’s before she retires.

Late onset decreased milk flow

Parents who begin their feeding journey with enough or more than enough milk are not fully assessed for effective attachment and management because the baby is “gaining well”. However when Late Onset Decreased Milk Flow is experienced by parents it can often lead to early breastfeeding cessation. This presentation will look at causes, solutions and two case studies.

Lourdes Santaballa Mora, MS, IBCLC, CLAAS, IYCFS

Lourdes Santaballa started as a peer to peer counselor after the birth of her children before becoming a community based IBCLC in 2011. By applying to numerous scholarships, she began to establish meaningful international contacts which would become keys to her professional advancement in the lactation field. Following Hurricane Maria, she co-founded Alimentación Segura Infantil in Puerto Rico. She is considered an expert in the topics of IYCF-E, the Code, Oral Restrictions, Feminism and Intersectionality. She holds a masters degree in clinical nutrition, has received numerous awards and recognitions, and believes in the power of mentorship and community.

Standing by the Code: a framework for justice in infant feeding

This presentation is designed to be for a mixed audience of beginning and advanced experts in the field. We will begin with the historical and social context of the drafting of the International Code on Marketing of substitutes and subsequent resolutions. Topics to be expired more in depth include the traditional elitism
of Code Marketing, the ethical obligations of lactation specialists and allied health professionals, the actual aim and scope of the Code, and why we can love the code, follow it, and not fall into the trap of justifying money, teats, and tainted research and education.

Emily Lunny, IBCLC

Emily Lunny is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), author, and infant feeding researcher dedicated to improving equity and access in lactation support. She specializes in neurodiversity within the perinatal period, specifically supporting autistic and ADHD parents as well as families nursing neurodivergent children. She is the author of Breastfeeding, Autism and ADHD and is actively involved in national and international governance and advocacy projects. She is currently undertaking a PhD exploring the facilitators, barriers, and equity of accessing IBCLC support in the UK. Emily’s work reframes breastfeeding as a vital public health issue rather than an individual burden.

Breastfeeding and neurodiversity

This presentation covers the considerations when supporting those who are neurodivergent to breastfeed, including the positives and challenges experienced.

Ashley Robinson, DrPH, IBCLC, CLE, CLD

Dr Ashley Robinson is a Doctor of Public Health in Epidemiology and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with seven years of private practice experience serving families in New York City and Connecticut. A Certified Labor Doula, Certified Lactation Educator, and active peer reviewer for multiple lactation and breastfeeding journals, she brings a rigorous public health lens to evidence-based clinical care and professional education. Dr. Robinson is the host of The Boob Doctor podcast and the author of The Supportive Partner: An Expert Guide for Dads Supporting Breastfeeding. Her speaking and research focus on the human milk microbiome, health equity, and translating complex science into practical guidance for families and clinicians.

Human milk, the microbiome, and infant Immune programming: evaluating the evidence and navigating the gaps

The science of the human milk microbiome is advancing rapidly, but not all findings are created equal. This research-forward presentation guides clinicians through the current evidence on milk microbiota, HMOs, and infant immune programming, with an honest look at what the data does and does not yet support. Participants will develop skills for critically appraising microbiome research and leave with a practical framework for navigating emerging areas, including the mastitis-dysbiosis connection, with confidence and clinical integrity.

Sue Roth, Midwife, RN, MPHTM, IBCLC

Sue Roth is a midwife and lactation consultant from Mparntwe (Alice Springs) Central Australia. She has worked in maternal, women’s and child health in Aboriginal community controlled and government settings in Central Australia since 1995. She currently works for the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and has been involved in the development of the Australian Clinical Guidelines on HTLV-1 for Aboriginal Primary Health Care Settings.

HTLV-1 and feeding babies in Central Australia

Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus-type 1 (HTLV-1) is a virus which can be transmitted in blood and body fluids including breastmilk. While most people with HTLV-1 stay well and never get sick from the virus, in a small number of people HTLV-1 can cause a type of cancer (adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma or ATL), along with other health problems including a progressive nervous system condition known as HTLV-1 associated myelopathy or tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). In Australia, HTLV-1 is mainly found in Central Australia and infection is with a type not found in other parts of the world. Recent Australian clinical guidelines on HTLV-1 for Aboriginal primary health care settings are in the early stages of implementation. With a focus on shared decision making, there will be discussion around the challenges of supporting people with HTLV-1 to make informed decisions around feeding their babies in the Central Australian context.

Michelle Stora Grassia, BS, IBCLC

Michelle Grassia is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant based in Frederick, Colorado, USA. Since 2011, she has provided individualized, evidence-based lactation support to families through private practice. Michelle brings over two decades of community and public health experience, including her work with La Leche League International, online pregnancy and parenting communities, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), where she has served families since 2004. She is also a preceptor for the University of Colorado School of Medicine Breastfeeding Management Elective, supporting the training of future physicians in lactation care. Michelle is passionate about meeting families where they are and expanding access to high-quality lactation care, particularly for under-served and Medicaid populations.

Ashley Sward, PsyD, IMH-E

Ashley Sward is a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine where she provides teaching, training, and supervision to psychology and medical students, residents, and fellows on attachment, childhood development, and trauma. She serves as the program director for the Warm Connections and Fussy Baby Programs, bringing integrated maternal, infant and young child mental health services into community public health programs. As an endorsed infant mental health specialist, she is passionate about promoting the best start possible to infants and their families in Colorado and beyond.

Perinatal mood disorders and self-efficacy: implications for lactation practice

This presentation will review common perinatal mental health conditions and examine lactation self-efficacy as a modifiable protective factor influencing both lactation outcomes and parental mental health. The role of the lactation consultant in screening, support, and referral for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders will also be explored.

Megan Dunn, IBCLC, RLC, C-NDLS

Megan Dunn is a Lactation Consultant and educator, who loves deep dives into research for the development of professional education presentations. She’s had the opportunity and pleasure to present for many domestic and international organizations to advocate for critical thinking and up-to-date practices which support healthy infant feeding and new parents.
For over 20 years, she has volunteered and worked with breast/chestfeeding families. Megan is an award-winning breastfeeding advocate, currently serving as the President of the Oregon Washington Lactation Association and Lactation Consultant at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Spit takes: managing infant reflux

Infant reflux accounts for up to 25% of chief complaints in the first year of life. This presentation examines and expands current management algorithms to highlight where skilled feeding support from an IBCLC, as a key care provider, can improve outcomes and parental confidence.
The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the etiology of infant feeding challenges and problematic reflux to empower parents and healthcare providers with safe and effective management decisions.

Hilla Lev Ran Hotam, MA, IBCLC

Hilla Lev Ran Hotam is a IBCLC-certified lactation consultant, a parental counselor, a lecturer, and a PhD candidate in Child Development at the University of Haifa, specializing in the emotional, relational, and evidence-based aspects of lactation care. She is the first author of peer-reviewed research published in Breastfeeding Medicine and a presenter at international scientific conferences. She has extensive experience in clinical lactation care, academic research, professional mentorship of IBCLC candidates, and interdisciplinary teaching. She is currently serving in international professional leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Membership Committee of the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA). She is committed to integrating scientific research, clinical excellence, and emotionally attuned care to support mothers, infants, and families.

Therapeutic alliance in lactation consulting: the influence on emotional availability, parental sense of competence, and breastfeeding self-efficacy

This presentation will describe the concepts of therapeutic and working alliance in lactation consulting and their implications for maternal emotional availability, parental sense of competence, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Participants will learn how to recognize relational processes within the consultation and identify alliance ruptures when they occur. Practical strategies for repairing and strengthening the therapeutic relationship will be presented.

Maaske Treurniet, MA, SLP

Maaske Treurniet is speech language therapist, feeding therapist and lactation consultant. She runs a practice
called Volmondig Logopedie in The Netherlands and specialized in young children with pediatric feeding
disorders.

Breastfeeding with a cleft palate

This presentation dives into the world of breastfeeding for clefts with you! From anatomy to practical guidance tips – you will not only get a refresher on the theory, but case studies with practical examples will also be
shared.

Caoimhe Whelan, BEng, IBCLC, MSc(research)

Caoimhe Whelan qualified as an IBCLC in 2026 after pursing pathway one as a voluntary breastfeeding counsellor. She works in private practice in Dublin, Ireland and does some teaching on breastfeeding and lactation related topics for two Irish universities. In 2023, Caoimhe completed an MSc(research) at University College Dublin by undertaking a qualitative study on women’s experiences of breastfeeding with primary low milk supply. Findings have been published in Breastfeeding Medicine and International Breastfeeding Journal. Caoimhe’s book on breastfeeding, Practical Breastfeeding: An Illustrated Guide for Parents, was published in 2025. Caoimhe lives in south Dublin with her husband, three teenage children, and their cat and dog.

Empowering and liberating, or subjugating and confining? Feminist perspectives on breastfeeding from the 1800s to the present day

Breastfeeding can be an emotive and polarizing topic and nowhere is this more true than in the realm of feminist discourse and theory. On the one hand there are there are feminists who believe breastfeeding to
be an empowering practice and and integral aspect of being a mother. On the other, there are those who regard breastfeeding as a practice that subjugates women and confines them to the home. This presentation will explore differing feminist views on breastfeeding, from the 1800s, right up to the present day, considering breastfeeding in the context of reproductive justice, human rights, sexuate rights, motherhood self-identity, capitalism and barriers to breastfeeding.

Joke Muyldermans, RM, MSc, IBCLC

Joke Muyldermans is a midwife and IBCLC, holds a Master in Midwifery. She is a lecturer at Erasmus University College Brussel, and is currently doing a PhD on breastfeeding-related infectious diseases at the University of Brussels. An experienced lecturer and speaker, she also holds leadership roles in midwifery and lactation organizations at local and European levels, contributing to policy and professional development. She is the owner of a private midwifery practice for prenatal and postnatal care, where she developed her special interest in Breastfeeding and breastfeeding related problems, especially on the mother-baby dyad.

Read the nipple, looking beyond the surface of breasfeeding problems – what can the nipple and the mother–baby dyad tell us?

This presentation takes a deeper look at the painful and cracked nipple and the mother–baby dyad, recognizing the entire dynamic between mother and infant. By observing how the nipple is presented and the baby latches, suckles, and swallows we gain critical insight into the origin of breastfeeding problems. Participants will sharpen their clinical observation and reasoning skills to translate visual cues into effective care.