ALCI Conference 2025

The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland (ALCI) recently held its 36th National Conference, a two-day hybrid event on September 26th and 27th at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. The event was a great success with insightful presentations, practical skills workshops, and an abundance of networking opportunities. It was led by 11 ALCI Council members and Tracy, ALCI's Events Coordinator and Administrator. 

​The conference kicked off with a warm welcome from ALCI President, Mairead O'Sullivan. ​Claire Kennedy provided a crucial update on the HSE's Infant Feeding Standards implementation. The often delicate transition from Special Care Baby Unit to home was addressed by Kathryn Stag, whilst Claire Fitzpatrick spoke on the profound value of donor breastmilk in the Special Care Baby Unit.

​Claire Ferris led a panel discussion between Stephanie Galvin (FOB), Sue Jameson (Cuidiu), and Eilish O'Sullivan (La Leche League), who collectively discussed the vital role of voluntary groups in the Irish community that offer invaluable peer-to-peer support and practical breastfeeding advice. Day one came to a close with a thought-provoking workshop by Professor Gerard Hastings on the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, a session that reminded us of the need to be vigilant against unethical marketing, which can jeopardise infant health.

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Day two of the event, again opened by Mairead O’Sullivan, offered a blend of clinical topics, personal experiences, and hands-on skills. Kathryn Stag discussed gentle night weaning. The room was moved by Siobhan Hunter's very personal story, sharing her journey of induced lactation following surrogacy. Laura Dowling, the 'Fabulous Pharmacist,' discussed medication use during breastfeeding, whilst Shel Banks debunked myths about unsettled babies.

​The afternoon featured practical workshops, including Dr Sonia Quinn's insightful session on precise flange sizing, Marie Maher and Claire Bulfin's workshop on enhancing self-care, and Niamh Cassidy's confidence-building session on promoting lactation services. The conference concluded with the announcement of the poster presentation winners. 

The Friday night gala dinner fostered camaraderie and showcased attendees' creativity with a poetry and song competition with a lactation theme.

Overall, the 36th ALCI conference was an enriching experience for all in attendance and online, reaffirming the dedication and skill within Ireland's lactation community.