Adina Popov
Pharm., IBCLC

Adina Popov is passionate about breastfeeding’s function and challenges.   She aims to support parents by transforming breastmilk into more than just a food source — into the architect of a baby’s oral anatomy, body, and immune system.

This workshop examines breastfeeding through a neurodevelopmental lens, focusing on the sensory and motor roles of cranial nerves involved in suck–swallow–breathe coordination. It explores primary oral reflexes, sensory system integration, and neuromotor sequencing, highlighting how altered sensory input, birth-related factors, or musculoskeletal restrictions may disrupt feeding efficiency and regulation.

Presents on Pre Conference  on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Andrea Hemmelmayr
Nurse, IBCLC

Andrea works  in private practice since 2000. Editorial member of ELACTA journal Lactation and Breastfeeding. President of the SUS-Baby. SUS stands for Safe and Satisfied – an information platform for infant and young child nutrition in times of crisis.

Personal, local and international disasters can affect people of all ages and in all regions. Infants and young children are the most vulnerable group in such situations. Breastfeeding is the most simple way to ensure the nutritional security of Babys while reducing stress levels for both mother and child. Unfortunately, in emergencies, the life-saving effects of breastfeeding are often overlooked and/or a potential breastfeeding relationship is severely disrupted by well-intentioned donations.

Presents at the Pre Conference on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Carole Hervé

IBCLC

Carole Hervé is an IBCLC, Biological Nurturing facilitator, La Leche League leader, trainer, and author. She has published 3 key breastfeeding books: Mon allaitement sur mesure, Choisir d’allaiter, and L’allaitement pour les nuls. 

Intra-Oral Massage for Sensory Food Aversion

This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to intra-oral massage techniques designed to support children with sensory food aversion. Intra-oral massage targets the muscles inside the mouth, helping to desensitize oral hypersensitivity, improve oral motor skills, and increase comfort with textures and flavors. 

Presents on Pre Conference on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Exploring Early Oral Experiences and the Role of Breastfeeding in Shaping Taste and Tolerance

Sensory food aversion, now recognized as a neurosensory condition, stems from genetic hypersensitivity to taste and smell. Affecting 25% of typical children and up to 80% with multiple disabilities, it ranges from mild disgust to food refusal and is often misdiagnosed as anorexia. Linked to oral receptor hyper-excitability, it remains underdiagnosed in infants. Breastfeeding may help by exposing babies to varied flavors, fostering tolerance and reducing hypersensitivity.

Presents at  the Conference on May 15, 2026

Carolina de Weerth

PhD

Carolina de Weerth, PhD, studies how early-life factors—like maternal stress, caregiving, and lactation—shape child development. As PI at Radboudumc/Donders, she explores biological pathways including HPA axis, microbiota, and maternal milk.

This talk explores predictors and effects of cortisol in human milk: its links to infant sleep, crying, and toddler development. It also examines how skin-to-skin contact and room sharing—both stress-reducing and breastfeeding-promoting—shape infant stress reactivity, sleep, and development.

Presents at the Conference on May 16, 2026

Cătălin Cîrstoveanu
MD, PhD, FCCP

Cătălin Cîrstoveanu is a Romanian neonatologist best known for his work at Marie Curie Children’s Hospital in Bucharest, where he led the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and advocated for establishing Romania’s first human milk bank to improve care for premature babies and newborns with severe conditions, helping reduce infant mortality.

Human Milk bank was opened in June 2018 at the Marie Curie Children’s Hospital in Bucharest, a significant step to provide vital nutrition (like medicine) for premature and sick babies. This initiative aimed to address the lack of safe donor milk for vulnerable newborns, as highlighted by UNICEF and medical articles.

Visit on the  May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Gina Weissman
DMD, IBCLC, RN, FABM

Gina’s research: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8083-4360.

Owner of an international school for training IBCLCS. Works in a Maternity Hospital and at her Breastfeeding and Tongue Tie Clinic. www.ginaweissman.com lists her keynote intl. lecture topics

Together at the workshop with 

Orr Cohen

IBCLC

BA in social sciences, psychology, and sociology, is an IBCLC in private practice. She works at the HalavM Breastfeeding and Tongue Tie Clinic, supporting families with tongue-tie assessment and breastfeeding, and serves as a lecturer and clinical instructor at the Lactation Academy, an international training program for lactation consultants.

Postpartum mothers and babies are considered a vulnerable population, who rely on our professionalism and integrity. From the first encounter with the mother, and until the procedure of tongue tie release, there are several stages. One crucial stage  is the tongues’ functional assessment. This stage involves a differential diagnosis approach, and also takes into account many variables, including holistic dyadic care.

Presents at the Pre Conference on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Lip Tie – Maxillary Frenulum Dilemma: Current Classifications and Clinical Guidelines

The maxillary frenulum (MF) has gained attention due to its supposed potential effect on BF. 

Knowledge of normal morphology is essential for the correct differential diagnosis of abnormal MF cases that require intervention. Current classifications of MF anomalies will be overviewed, clinical dilemmas regarding the release of  the MF and the implications for BF and overall health. A clinical decision-making framework will be suggested to guide treatment and management strategies.

Presents at the  Conference on May 15, 2026

Irena Zakarija-Grković
MD, FRACGP, IBCLC, PhD, FABM

Dr. Zakarija-Grković has been practicing IBCLC since 2002. She is the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative Coordinator for Croatia and Europe, and is based at the University of Split School of Medicine, in Split, Croatia 

Find out why it’s important to monitor national breastfeeding policies and practices, and how this can help improve infant and young child feeding in your country. You will learn step-by-step, how to use the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative assessment tool and how to produce a country report. Join 100 countries including 21 from Europe, in fulfilling our obligation under the Global Breastfeeding Collective’s call to monitor breastfeeding policies, programs and funding in our nations.

Presents at the Pre Conference on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Jeanette McCulloch

IBCLC

Jeanette McCulloch, IBCLC, founder of BirthSwell, has 30+ years in strategic communications and health advocacy. She consults globally with maternal health organizations, with the aim of equitable, quality care for all families.

Lactation professionals face relentless misinformation from formula marketing to breastfeeding myths. This session offers IBCLCs evidence-based strategies to move beyond reactive myth-busting toward coordinated, proactive communication. Learn a framework for memorable messaging, inoculation techniques, and how to reframe away from mother-blame toward systemic barriers. Build credibility, select trusted messengers, and create sustainable responses to persistent disinformation.

Presents at the  Conference on May 15, 2026

Joke Muyldermans
RM, MsC, IBCLC

Joke, midwife and IBCLC, holds a Master in Midwifery and a degree in applied pharmacology. She works as lecturer and editor of the Flemish Journal of Midwifery, and researches breastfeeding-related infectious diseases at the University of Brussels.

A Holistic and Collaborative Approach to Breastfeeding Challenges: The Role of Lactation Consultants and Osteopaths 

Breastfeeding challenges are often complex, involving both functional and physical factors. This workshop highlights the complementary roles of lactation consultants and osteopaths in supporting families. Through a holistic and collaborative approach, we explore how interdisciplinary care can identify underlying causes, provide effective solutions, and strengthen parental confidence. Case studies illustrate the added value of this partnership.

Presents at the Pre Conference on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Candidiasis in the breastfeeding dyad – treatment and wound management

Candidiasis in the breastfeeding dyad is a frequent yet often misunderstood cause of nipple pain and feeding difficulties. This session explores diagnosis, differential considerations, and evidence-based treatment strategies. Special attention is given to wound care and management of persistent lesions, emphasizing a holistic approach that supports both mother and infant. Practical guidance and case-based discussion will help optimize outcomes in clinical practice.

Presents at the  Conference on May 16, 2026

Karolina Morze
MPharm

Karolina Morze is a pharmacist and a researcher who specializes in pharmacotherapy in lactation, working in a private practice in Poland and Poznan University of Medical Sciences. She is  a member of the Polish Society of Clinical Pharmacy.

Approximately 10% of mothers discontinue nursing earlier than recommended due to medical reasons. We will explore the factors that force women into this “medication or lactation” dilemma, arguing that it is frequently a false dichotomy driven by risk perception rather than pharmacological reality. We will examine the barriers to optimal treatment, from maternal anxiety regarding infant safety to systemic gaps, based on recently published data.

Presents at the  Conference on May 16, 2026

Laurel Wilson
IBCLC, RLC, INHC, CLSP

Laurel Wilson is a TEDx and international speaker, women’s health and perinatal specialist, IBCLC, coach, consultant, and author of The Attachment Pregnancy and The Greatest Pregnancy Ever, blending science with heart to support families.

The lactation process is unique to mammals and a crucial part of the evolutionary changes for mammals to support the mammary function involve hormonal activity. These hormones are called neohormones and serve a unique function in the fertility and reproductive process for humans. Research has focused on just a few of these hormones in the field of lactation, however an entire symphony of hormones support the development, maintenance, and activation of the mammary gland and the production of milk. This session will focus on this unique blend of mammary support hormones and how endocrine disrupters and promoters (the external and internal environment; think common cosmetics, household products, and even activities like sleep!) can support or hinder the functioning of these hormones during lactation.

Presents at the  Conference on May 15, 2026

Loredana Isbasoiu Gafu
IBCLC, MD

Dr. Loredana Isbasoiu Gafu has been an IBCLC since 2012. She is a medical doctor specialized in psychiatry, trained in existential analytic psychotherapy. She is dedicated to caring for the mental health of breastfeeding women.

The financial cost of allergic disease, according to a study conducted in 2024 in Australia, is 18,9 billion dollars, but the emotional burden for people living with allergies is hard to quantify. Some studies show that breastfeeding mothers of infants with food allergies were more anxious, with higher depression scores. This presentation aims to shed light on the challenges associated with caring for and breastfeeding a child with an allergic disease.

Presents at the  Conference on May 16, 2026

Martha Guoth-Gumberger
Dipl.Ing, IBCLC

Marta Guoth-Gumberger, Dipl.Ing, IBCLC, Pre and perinatal practitioner, Germany, is involved in breastfeeding counselling, tongue-mobility evaluation for all ages in private practice, tongue-tie research and publications. www.breastfeeding-support.de

Different types of tongue-ties, different approaches for preparation, tongue-tie treatment and aftercare and their outcomes will be summarized. The different methods for treatment and aftercare and the few existing studies comparing them will be described in detail and discussed from the perspective of anatomy, function, breastfeeding counseling and social setting. Recommendations for navigating in the field of tongue-tie and conclusions for practical work with families will round up the topic. We will explore these questions together in the workshop.

Presents at the  Conference on May 15, 2026

Maryse Arendt
IBCLC 

BFHI coordinator , Board chair of BLL (Lactation Consultants Luxembourg), Assistant editor JHL for WHO/International Code, ILCA delegate to Codex Alimentarius, WHA and EB , Co-Coordinator IBFAN Europe, Director BFHI Network delegated to GBC.

The International Code, Conflict of interests and updates

The Code was adopted in 1981 at the World Health Assembly.  It defines the responsibilities of the health care systems, the health workers and the manufacturers and distributors. Short overview of the content of the Code and its 21 subsequent resolution /decisions. Role of IBCLCs under the Code. Updates on new resolutions, publications, pump manufacturers and digital marketing and Code monitoring. Some examples of conflicts of interest in research that undermine public health recommendations. 

Presents at the Pre Conference on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Don’t be afraid of the Code

Overview of the content of the Code and its 21 subsequent resolution /decisions. Role of IBCLCs and HCP under the Code. Human rights .Digital marketing has become the dominant form of marketing in many countries. It targets mothers through personal data collected with algorithms. New strategies for monitoring the Code. Updates on new resolutions, publications, pump manufacturers. Conflicts of interest and scientific research that serve commercial interests.  Question time, Discussion, exchange

Presents at the  Conference on May 15, 2026

Maya Bolman
RN, BA, BSN, IBCLC, FILCA

Maya  is an IBCLC-certified lactation consultant with over 25 years of experience as a nurse, doula, and lactation consultant. Born in Minsk, Belarus, she was certified as an IBCLC in 2001 and currently works at Senders Pediatrics and Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio. She is internationally recognized for her work promoting hand expression and breast massage to prevent and treat acute breast pain, a leading cause of early weaning.

This presentation will introduce clinical skills such as Therapeutic Breast Massage, Hand Expression, Breast Gymnastics, Reverse Pressure Softening and Soft Stretching Techniques that are essential for every lactation consultant, as well as other healthcare professionals. Teaching these manual techniques to parents will support and empower them to deal with the pain and discomfort of engorgement, plugged ducts and mastitis. They will also be useful in managing oversupply or working on increasing milk production.

Presents at the Pre Conference on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Micaela Notarangelo
IBCLC, PhD

Private practice in Italy. Specialized in advanced training, including developing the 16-hour course on Feeding Cleft Infants (started 2017). Micaela loves researching and asking questions. Published author of several scientific papers on lactation.

Stepping into Their Shoes: Understanding the Breastfeeding and Feeding Challenges in Infants with Oral Cleft

Feeding infants with oral cleft is often a challenge for the families. A clear understanding of the impact of clefts on feeding, and of how different devices work, is essential to make the parents feel able to support their children. In this workshop different strategies will be presented to explain, and experience from their point of view, the challenges of these infants. “Stepping into their shoes” aims at improving observation and sensitivity for a more effective and compassionate response.

Presents at the Pre Conference on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Beyond Suction: Exploring Pump Rhythms, Vacuum and Patterns to Navigate the Breast Pump Landscape

The selection of an effective breast pump is a critical challenge for IBCLCs, especially given the proliferation of new devices. In the current landscape, IBCLCs primarily rely on clinical experience and maternal feedback for the evaluation of breast pumps, due to the scarcity of objective, easily applicable evaluation criteria. In this presentation we present new insights, based on scientific evidence and clinical experience, that could help IBCLCs in the field and stimulate new research.

Presents at the  Conference on May 16, 2026

Nike Mencke
IBCLC / IMH consultant

Former midwife, independent lactation consultant (2010) with a private practice. Trained as an Infant Mental Health consultant. Mindful with your Baby mindfulness trainer. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Health and Social Care Innovation.

This talk explores the link between breastfeeding and Infant Mental Health. Attuned feeding fosters secure attachment as parent and baby synchronize physically (milk flow, oxytocin), socially and emotionally (reading cues, predictable patterns). Daily interactions at the breast illustrate how mentalization and emotion regulation support bonding, and which factors help or hinder this process.

Presents at the  Conference on May 16, 2026

Robert Boyle
MD, PhD

Robert  is a pediatric allergy specialist based at Imperial College London, UK. He has 20 years experience of clinical and research work in children’s allergies. He is a member of SACN, director of Baby Milk Action and Cochrane senior editor.

The media often state there is a food allergy epidemic. Here, I will show that most evidence suggests there is no food allergy epidemic. But there is increasing parental concern about food allergies in infants and young children. Some of this concern is driven by nutrition industry marketing and other groups who sell products for children with food allergy. In this presentation, I will discuss how to safely avoid ‘overdoing’ food allergy when counselling care takers of infants and young children.

Presents at the  Conference on May 15, 2026

Sandra Tydecks

IBCLC

Trained as a pediatric nurse from , she has worked in neonatology since 1996. She became an IBCLC in 2006 and has been working as a lactation consultant at Leverkusen Hospital since 2010. In 2024, she contributed to the hospital’s certification as a Baby-Friendly Perinatal Center, Level 1.

Zwei Welten. Ein Ziel. Babyfreundlich vom Kreißsaal bis zur Hightech-Intensivstation.

 Der babyfreundliche Weg vom Kreißsaal zur Hightech-Medizin in der Neonatologie.

In diesem Workshop werden wir gemeinsam bearbeiten, wie gut dieser Weg in der Praxis umgesetzt werden kann. Welche Voraussetzungen, Kenntnisse und Erfahrungen brauchen wir, um eine erfolgreiche babyfreundliche Arbeit zu gewährleisten? Dabei stellen sich zwei Fragen: Arbeiten nicht alle Kliniken babyfreundlich? Wie kann man nicht babyfreundlich arbeiten? Diese Fragen werden wir gemeinsam im Workshop erörtern.

(EN: The baby-friendly path from the delivery room to high-tech medicine in neonatology.)

Presents at the Pre Conference on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Sven Onclinx
Osteopathe D.O. – MSc.OST.

Osteopath for 22 years and achieved In ’20 a MSc in Osteopathy. Working for 20 years with newborns and children in Switzerland. Started to work two years ago with InTeam in Belgium, a team of midwives, to help newborns & their mother (pre-post.part)

Breastfeeding challenges are often complex, involving both functional and physical factors. This workshop highlights the complementary roles of lactation consultants and osteopaths in supporting families. Through a holistic and collaborative approach, we explore how interdisciplinary care can identify underlying causes, provide effective solutions, and strengthen parental confidence. Case studies illustrate the added value of this partnership.

Presents at the Pre Conference on May 14, 2026 (workshop day)

Viktoriia Nesterova
IBCLC

IBCLC since 2011;  Former Nutrition Program deputy coordinator with International Medical Corps (2022–24): led IYCF-E program, including training of 800 health workers. Co-author of 2023 IYCF study; contributor to 2024 frontline assessment 

From wartime Ukraine: evidence from 2 IYCF surveys conducted by International Medical Corps from IBCLC perspective. Results show resilience and gaps: while BF indicators improved overall compared to pre-war data, EBF is lower among displaced and caregivers without higher education; high bottle-feeding; gaps in post-discharge support. Among barriers are stress, inconsistent advice, formula donations. Solutions: strengthen BFHI, Code compliance, on-demand CME, accessible LC counseling. 

Presents at the  Conference on May 16, 2026

Ylva Thernström Blomqvist
RN, PhD

A registered nurse, Associate Professor at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Sweden. Ylva’s research focuses on the care of infants in neonatal units and includes areas such as skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding.

This presentation introduces the Swedish approach to early and sustained skin-to-skin care (SSC) as a safe and essential part of care for healthy newborns in birthing and postnatal units, as well as for infants in neonatal intensive care. It will combine research with practical guidelines supporting SSC, parental closeness, empowerment, and early transition to home, even when intensive or surgical care is needed.

Presents at the  Conference on May 16, 2026