Breastfeeding plays a vital role in the health and well-being of infants, mothers, and families. Each year, Northwest AHEC brings together experts, caregivers, and community champions to deepen knowledge, strengthen skills, and uplift those who support breastfeeding families.
This year’s 14th Annual Breastfeeding Forum promises to be one of our most engaging and impactful events yet.
📅 Event Details
Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 8:45 AM – 3:15 PM
Location: Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Avenue Drive SE, Hickory, NC 28602
This one-day, in-person conference is designed for professionals and advocates who play a role in supporting breastfeeding families—whether in clinical settings, community programs, or family-centered care environments.
🌟 What You’ll Learn
This year’s forum covers a diverse array of topics essential for anyone working with breastfeeding families. Attendees will gain updated, evidence-based insights on:
🍼 Community-Based Breastfeeding Support
- Learn about the purpose and growing impact of Baby Cafés, a community-centered model that provides accessible, judgment-free breastfeeding support.
- Explore strategies for engaging families and promoting long-term breastfeeding success.
🌿 Breastfeeding & Maternal Substance Use
- Understand the effects of common substances on lactation and infant health.
- Review evidence-based guidelines for safe breastfeeding practices in the context of maternal substance use.
- Gain strategies for supporting mothers using harm-reduction approaches and culturally sensitive care.
💛 Perinatal Mental Health
- Identify early emotional, behavioral, and psychological signs of disorders such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Learn to apply screening tools and referral strategies to connect families with timely support.
👶 Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)
- Recognize early clinical indicators of NOWS.
- Learn evidence-based approaches to care for infants with NOWS within breastfeeding contexts.
🧑🍼 Choosing the Right Breast Pump
- Review current breast pump options on the market.
- Learn how to guide parents in selecting the best pump for their unique situation.
🎓 Continuing Education Credits
Participants can earn:
- 5 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
- 5 CPEUs
- 3 IBLCE L CERPs
- 2 IBLCE R CERPs
- 5 Nursing Contact Hours
👥 Who Should Attend?
This forum is ideal for:
- Lactation consultants
- WIC staff
- Registered dietitians
- Nurses & nurse educators
- Peer counselors
- Health educators
- Social workers
- Childbirth educators
- Anyone who assists families with breastfeeding
🏨 Travel Convenience
A block of rooms is available at the Hickory Courtyard Marriott, just steps from the convention center.
- Discounted Rate: $159 + tax
- Book by: February 23
🔗 Register for the Forum
Secure your spot and browse the full agenda here:
👉 14th Annual Breastfeeding Forum – Register Now