The Interprofessional Lactation Conference 2026 brings together speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), lactation professionals, doulas, and other healthcare providers to explore collaborative approaches to infant feeding, breastfeeding, and family-centered care. With a focus on supporting infants and caregivers from birth through the transition from the NICU to home, this conference examines the connections between feeding, neurodevelopment, sensory and motor development, and early relationships.
Through five sessions, presenters will share evidence-based strategies for supporting breastfeeding in medically fragile infants, understanding the sensorimotor and relational factors that influence feeding, and promoting positive outcomes beyond NICU discharge. Participants will explore trauma-sensitive care, caregiver advocacy, breastfeeding readiness, therapeutic positioning, and strategies for strengthening early relational health. Special attention will be given to the unique needs of families navigating complex medical care and transitions between healthcare settings.
The conference also emphasizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration, including understanding each discipline's role, improving referrals and warm handoffs, and coordinating support between hospital and community-based providers. Participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen clinical decision-making, support caregivers, and provide coordinated, individualized care that promotes infant development and family well-being.
Through five sessions, presenters will share evidence-based strategies for supporting breastfeeding in medically fragile infants, understanding the sensorimotor and relational factors that influence feeding, and promoting positive outcomes beyond NICU discharge. Participants will explore trauma-sensitive care, caregiver advocacy, breastfeeding readiness, therapeutic positioning, and strategies for strengthening early relational health. Special attention will be given to the unique needs of families navigating complex medical care and transitions between healthcare settings.
The conference also emphasizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration, including understanding each discipline's role, improving referrals and warm handoffs, and coordinating support between hospital and community-based providers. Participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen clinical decision-making, support caregivers, and provide coordinated, individualized care that promotes infant development and family well-being.
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