On 6–7 November 2025, the 2nd International Conference of the Portuguese Association of Certified Lactation Consultants (APCLC) took place in Figueira da Foz in Portugal. The event was organised under the theme “Breastfeeding Outside the Box: Meeting Families” with the aim of expanding professional knowledge and supporting evidence-based practice in lactation and breastfeeding care.
The programme opened on 4 November at the Hospital de Cascais with a pre-conference workshop by Dr Nils Bergman, Public Health Physician, on the implementation of new WHO policies on immediate and continuous skin-to-skin contact, including clinical evidence and simulated practice sessions.
On 6 November, parallel workshops addressed diverse clinical and therapeutic topics such as the functional role of sucking in breastfeeding, management of lactation-related wounds, and the application of osteopathy in newborn support. Integrative discussion groups brought together experts to examine the intersection of breastfeeding support and perinatal psychology.
The main conference on 7 November featured plenary sessions and roundtables covering a range of contemporary lactation issues. Presentations included ecosystem-based approaches to breast pathology management, perinatal mental health and breastfeeding, and the impact of violence against women on lactation outcomes. Additional sessions focused on challenges in diagnosing and supporting infants with lingual frenulum variations, breastfeeding in the context of HIV, and ethical principles guiding lactation support practice.
ELACTA is grateful for the invitation and the warm welcome extended by APCLC. The association was represented at the conference by Asta Vilpisauskiene, who joined colleagues from across Portugal and beyond for two inspiring days of learning and exchange.
Despite very autumnal weather, the atmosphere throughout the conference was light, warm, and welcoming. Engagement with APCLC members and conference participants supported dialogue on shared priorities in lactation education, professional standards, and advocacy across Europe. Informal and structured interactions enabled discussion of potential future collaborations and highlighted the role of international networks in strengthening lactation care and supporting families through coordinated professional efforts.