Statement From ALCI

The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland (ALCI) wishes to address recent concerns regarding our Annual Conference on 9–10 October and to clarify the circumstances surrounding them.

Following publication of the conference programme, concerns were raised about aspects of one speaker's previous work and presentations outside ALCI. This subject matter was not part of the presentations proposed for the ALCI conference.

The speaker was selected to present on lactation support for gender-diverse families and inclusive clinical practice, based on their professional experience in these areas. Their participation was reviewed and consideration given to their professional background as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and the relevance of their experience to the topics proposed. The subject matter from previous presentations that has subsequently attracted public attention was not part of the proposed ALCI programme, nor does ALCI promote or endorse it. The speaker is no longer participating in this year's conference. ALCI remains committed to evidence-informed education and respectful lactation support for all families, including gender-diverse families.

How ALCI selects and approves speakers
For transparency, we would like to explain how ALCI selects and approves speakers.

Conference topics are informed by feedback from members and delegates. Speakers are identified through feedback and recommendations, calls for speakers, abstracts and expressions of interest. All speakers are formally considered and agreed by all ALCI Council before approval is sought through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). This speaker was agreed by ALCI Council in September 2025.

Once agreement on speakers is reached, speakers are required to provide the relevant disclosure and conflict-of-interest documentation along with an up-to-date CV. As part of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) application process IBLCE additionally reviews speakers and presentations in determining eligibility.

The established ALCI Council and IBLCE processes were followed for all speakers on the 2026 conference programme.

Conference arrangements
Recent events have been extremely challenging for our members, speakers and the wider breastfeeding community. In light of threats and safety concerns affecting ALCI Council members, speakers, the hotel and others involved in the conference, Council made the decision to move our 2026 conference to an online platform.

ALCI remains committed to evidence-informed professional education, robust safeguarding practices and the wellbeing of babies, parents and families. We will reflect on the experience of recent weeks, including our processes and communication, and identify any improvements that can be made.

As a voluntary professional organisation, ALCI Council is committed to its core objective: to provide high-quality, evidence-based education and professional development in lactation and infant feeding for healthcare professionals and those supporting families. Our focus remains on our members, our profession and our commitment to delivering these objectives.

We would like to thank our members, speakers, supporters and delegates for their patience, understanding and continued engagement during what has been a challenging period for the organisation. We look forward to continuing our work together in support of families and the wider professional community.

ALCI Council

5th October 2026