ALCI at the 14th ELACTA Conference 2026

I, Aine McGahon-Lavin, attended the 14th ELACTA Conference in Bucharest, Romania (15–16 May 2026), along with the pre-conference workshop and Presidents’ Meeting on 14 May, representing ALCI. I was joined by four Irish IBCLCs, including ALCI Council members Fiona Rae and Naomi Hurley.

The pre-conference day offered a flexible and engaging programme. In the morning, delegates could choose from six workshops or opt to visit Romania’s first human milk bank. The afternoon followed a similar format, with a choice of four workshops or the opportunity to visit the milk bank. Each workshop lasted three hours, allowing for in-depth learning and discussion.

Over the course of the two-day conference, there were 15 presentations delivered by speakers from a wide range of countries. Each presentation lasted 45 minutes, with 13 delivered in person and two presented online, creating a rich and varied programme reflecting international perspectives on breastfeeding support.

The conference was officially opened by Michaela, the ELACTA President, who spoke with great pride about bringing the conference to Romania. A particularly memorable highlight was the musical contribution from her 14-year-old son, who performed beautifully on the violin, offering a warm and personal welcome to delegates. The opening ceremony also included a special acknowledgement of all 35 participating countries, with each flag displayed and warmly welcomed to enthusiastic applause, creating a strong sense of international community.

We also received a heartfelt welcome from the Romanian First Lady, who shared her own positive breastfeeding experiences and emphasised the importance of early mother–child relationships, noting the broader societal benefits of supporting breastfeeding.

The conference, themed “Breastfeeding Insights, Shaping the Future”, brought together delegates from 35 countries and provided an excellent opportunity for learning, networking and sharing international perspectives. The event was enhanced by a strong visual celebration of breastfeeding, with beautiful breastfeeding photographs displayed throughout the venue.

I attended Adina Popov’s 3 hour workshop where she explored the neuroscience of breastfeeding, explaining how babies are biologically programmed to nurse through complex sensory, motor and neurological processes. She highlighted the role of oral reflexes, sensory integration and cranial nerve function in supporting effective feeding and infant development

One of the opening presentations by Jeanette McCulloch (UK) addressed health misinformation online, highlighting the influence of AI-generated content and the imbalance between formula marketing and breastfeeding promotion. Practical guidance focused on leading with positive, evidence-based messaging while respectfully addressing and debunking common myths.

Another presentation by Maryse Arendt (Luxembourg), explored the growing influence of digital marketing. It highlighted how digital marketing is now the dominant form of marketing in many countries, using personal data and algorithms to target individuals very effectively. Much of this content is not easily recognised as advertising and can be difficult to regulate. 

Marta Guóth-Gumberger provided an overview of current evidence on tongue-tie assessment, treatment, and aftercare. She discussed different types of tongue-tie, treatment approaches, and practical considerations for supporting breastfeeding families using an evidence-based and functional approach.

Another presentation by Dr. Gina Weissman (Israel), highlighted the lack of evidence supporting lip and buccal ties as true pathological conditions. The presentation referenced current clinical guidance, noting that procedures to divide these tissues should be approached with caution and are generally discouraged without clear clinical indication.

Carole Hervé explored how early oral experiences influence a child's acceptance of foods and sensory development. She highlighted the role of breastfeeding in exposing infants to a variety of flavours which may help promote taste acceptance, tolerance  and reduce the risk of sensory food aversions later in childhood.

Laurel Wilson presented online, on perimenopause and Lactation Hormonal harmony. She emphasised that successful lactation depends on a complex interaction of hormones throughout a woman's life, not just prolactin and oxytocin. She highlighted how factors such as stress, sleep, nutrition, and environmental exposures can either support or disrupt hormonal balance and breastfeeding outcomes.

In his online presentation,“Allergy in Infants,” Robert Boyle discussed the evidence showing that there is no clear food allergy epidemic in infants, despite widespread public concern. He emphasised the importance of evidence-based assessment, avoiding over-diagnosis and supporting families to make informed feeding decisions without unnecessary dietary restrictions.

Joke Muyldermans discussed the diagnosis and management of candidiasis in breastfeeding mothers and infants, highlighting its impact on nipple pain and feeding difficulties. She emphasised accurate assessment, evidence-based treatment, effective wound care, and a holistic approach to supporting both mother and baby

Karolina Morze examined the challenges faced by breastfeeding women who require medication, highlighting how concerns about infant safety often lead to unnecessary cessation of breastfeeding. She emphasised the importance of evidence-based counselling to help mothers make informed decisions and avoid the false choice between medication and lactation.

Dr. Micaela Notarangelo’s emphasised that effective pumping relies on three key factors: appropriate flange size, adequate vacuum strength (with 180–200 mmHg as a clinical benchmark), and sufficient cycles per minute (ideally 40–60 for effective breast drainage). The session noted that discussion of specific pump models should remain within one-to-one consultations.

Dr. Loredana Isbașoiu Gafu highlighted the emotional and psychological challenges faced by mothers breastfeeding infants with allergies, including increased anxiety, stress and risk of depression. She emphasised the importance of providing holistic support to families managing both the practical and emotional demands of caring for a child with allergic disease.

Viktoriia Nesterova’s very moving presentation highlighted breastfeeding support as a vital component of emergency preparedness and infant survival during conflict. She emphasised strengthening resilience through BFHI expansion, trauma-informed and remote support services, careful management of formula donations, and adequate funding and psychological support for healthcare professionals and families.

Nike Mencke explored how breastfeeding supports infant mental health by fostering secure attachment, emotional regulation and parent–infant bonding. She highlighted how responsive, attuned feeding interactions create patterns of connection that promote healthy emotional and developmental outcomes for babies

Ylva Thernström Blomqvist highlighted the benefits of early and sustained skin-to-skin care for both healthy newborns and infants requiring neonatal intensive care. She demonstrated how skin-to-skin contact supports breastfeeding, parent–infant bonding, infant stability and improved developmental outcomes across a range of care settings.

Carolina de Weerth explored how maternal stress and cortisol levels in breast milk may influence infant behaviour, sleep and development. She highlighted the importance of stress-reducing practices, such as breastfeeding support and skin-to-skin contact, in promoting positive outcomes for both mother and child.

ALCI hosted a stand to promote our work, highlight our upcoming October 2026 conference, and share information about our WHO Code webinar which has already taken place. This created valuable opportunities to engage with colleagues from across Europe and beyond.

I would like to thank ALCI Council for the opportunity to attend the 14th ELACTA Conference in Romania. The experience provided valuable educational and networking opportunities, enhanced my knowledge of current breastfeeding and lactation research and strengthened professional links with colleagues from across Europe. The insights gained will help inform and support my ongoing work within ALCI and in the provision of evidence-based lactation care in Ireland.