1 April 2025, London, United Kingdom- In collaboration with GEDU Global Education Group and the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in London (CIFAL City of London), UNITAR hosted the Breastfeeding Education Conference and Training of Trainers Workshop in London, UK, on 27-28 March 2025.
The Regional Conference on Breastfeeding Education brought together 72 experts, nurses and midwives, and students from Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom to exchange knowledge and good practices that promote optimal breastfeeding practices. The Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop focused on providing practical training to 42 nurses and midwives, community leaders and mothers.
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GEDU Managing Director for External Engagement and Sustainability Kevin McCole said it was a privilege to host such an important and informative conference.
GEDU’s affiliation with UNITAR is crucial to sustainable development and our overall goal of changing lives through education. We are home to CIFAL City of London, a UNITAR-affiliated training centre, and through this collaboration, we deliver capacity-building programmes that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It was a pleasure to host this conference and train the trainers workshop, particularly given the high calibre delegates from other European countries, all committed to improving the health of children and mothers and bringing wider economic and societal benefits. I was also delighted that our GBS health and social care faculty and students were able to particulate so actively across the two days, said Mr McCole
The Conference included expert-led sessions on critical topics during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including managing medication during lactation, the power of skin-to-skin contact for breastfeeding success and enhancing maternal-infant bonding, and the role of nutrition and composition of breastmilk to meet infants' needs and health. It also included parents’ perspectives and their experiences, highlighting the continued need for supporting mothers during breastfeeding.
The regional conference highlights the significance of regional collaboration and knowledge exchange. By bringing together experts and students from different countries, we gain new insights into best practices for supporting mothers and healthcare professionals in their pursuit of supporting child development - Dr. Ali Asgary, University of York, Director of CIFAL York
The Breastfeeding Education Conference takes place annually and is designed to offer learning and training opportunities to increase breastfeeding uptake through initiation and duration rates, raise awareness among healthcare professionals, mothers and provide support for breastfeeding mothers at home, in healthcare settings, workplaces, and within the broader community. Experts from distinguished universities and healthcare centres across Ireland, Belgium, and the United Kingdom presented research and best practices for students and practitioners.
The practical exercises and evidence-based approaches empower participants to take action. By providing upskilling and knowledge, they are equipped as leaders to educate their communities on optimal breast-feeding practices - Dr. Maleknaz Nayebi, University of York, Associate Director of CIFAL York
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On day two, the Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop hosted 42 healthcare professionals in an engaging session to practice breastfeeding techniques, facilitating peer-to-peer discussions, and methods for maternal-infant bonding.
Prof. Allison Cummins, Head of Midwifery of the University of Newcastle in Australia, presented The Magic Drop: Supporting Mothers along the Journey and offered valuable insights on creating inclusive prenatal services to provide holistic support for mothers and their infants. Breastfeeding rates in Australia are high, with 69% of babies receiving breastmilk at 4 months of age.
Support is vital. Breastfeeding is not always possible and not always easy. This conference and training workshop is an important part of supporting women and infants through these critical early months, and CIFAL Newcastle is proud to be a part of helping make that happen - Dr. Brodie Beales, University of Newcastle, Director of CIFAL Newcastle.
The ToT Workshop was designed to provide a deeper understanding of the science behind breastfeeding, the impact of breastmilk and breastfeeding on the health of mothers and infants, and the main structural and individual challenges facing women regarding initiating and continuing breastfeeding.
It was a delight to participate in the UNITAR’s Regional Conference on Breastfeeding Education and Training of Trainers. I’m excited about CIFAL Surrey’s ability to work with the Breastfeeding Education Initiative (BFEI), and our own inhouse expertise in midwifery from the University of Surrey’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, and associated stakeholders to build a genuine community of practice to support transformative approaches to encouraging breastfeeding, based on awareness raising, outreach and enhanced training, as well as incorporating national and regional perspectives into the already well-established training provided by UNITAR and CIFAL Surrey - Dr. Amelia Hadfield, Executive-Vice Chancellor of External Engagement; Co-Director for Institute of Sustainability, University of Surrey; Director of CIFAL Surrey.
Breastfeeding plays a vital role in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is linked to many of the Sustainable Development Goals. Breastfeeding is linked to better nutrition, health and greater well-being for children and mothers.
UNITAR’s Breastfeeding Education Initiative is dedicated to supporting and empowering women by enhancing their practical knowledge, skills, and confidence in breastfeeding. Through training and education, the Initiative seeks to protect, promote, and support optimal infant and young child feeding. Ms. Estrella Merlos, Head, Breastfeeding Education Global Initiative
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