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Scientific Knowledge Products & Solutions Professional Education Newsletter Services Commitment to Breastfeeding Beginnings – Journal

Hot Topics

To support lactation consultants and medical staff like you in their work with expectant and new mothers, we have relevant articles on the subject of breastfeeding and breast milk.

A picture of Dr Jacqueline Kent
Breastfeeding

What is the range of ‘normal’ when it comes to breastfeeding?

vThrough her work, Dr Jacqueline Kent (University of Western Australia) has succeeded in redefining the boundaries for ‘normal’ breastfeeding. There is a wide range of ‘normal’ when it comes to exclusive breastfeeding with respect to how long infants feed, how long each breastfeeding session takes, and how much milk the infant takes in each breastfeeding session.

  • Time to read: 4 min.
Read more
Two women in a hospital with breast milk in storage bottles in a Medela Cooler Bag.
Pumping

Storing and thawing breast milk

Fresh milk contains live maternal cells and the highest amounts of nutrients, growth factors and many other protective components.

  • Time to read: 4 min.
Read more

Are we doing enough to help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals?

“Will I be able to breastfeed?” is a question many pregnant women ask themselves but may hesitate to voice to their midwife or doctor. Yet for expectant mothers who wish to breastfeed it’s an essential topic to address and discuss early in pregnancy...

Learn more
A picture of Dr Jacqueline Kent
Breastfeeding

What is the range of ‘normal’ when it comes to breastfeeding?

vThrough her work, Dr Jacqueline Kent (University of Western Australia) has succeeded in redefining the boundaries for ‘normal’ breastfeeding. There is a wide range of ‘normal’ when it comes to exclusive breastfeeding with respect to how long infants feed, how long each breastfeeding session takes, and how much milk the infant takes in each breastfeeding session.

  • Time to read: 4 min.
Read more
Two women in a hospital with breast milk in storage bottles in a Medela Cooler Bag.
Pumping

Storing and thawing breast milk

Fresh milk contains live maternal cells and the highest amounts of nutrients, growth factors and many other protective components.

  • Time to read: 4 min.
Read more

Are we doing enough to help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals?

“Will I be able to breastfeed?” is a question many pregnant women ask themselves but may hesitate to voice to their midwife or doctor. Yet for expectant mothers who wish to breastfeed it’s an essential topic to address and discuss early in pregnancy...

Learn more

Scientific knowledge

Medela University offers free online courses on breastfeeding and lactation for healthcare professionals. Many of our courses are accredited and you will receive a course certificate upon completion.

A premature baby in the NICU experiencing with feeding challenges.
Special needs

Feeding development solutions for neonatal intensive care

  • Time to read: 3 min.
Read more
A nurse gives a mother information about mastitis.
Breastfeeding

Mastitis

  • Time to read: 3 min.
Read more
A mother gets advice from a nurse at the hospital on using the Symphony® breast pump.
Benefits of breast milk

At-risk conditions for initiation

  • Time to read: 4 min.
Read more
A mom pumping with a rented Medela Symphony PLUS® breast pump in the comfort of her living room.
Research & literature

Double pumping

  • Time to read: 3 min.
Read more
A premature baby in the NICU experiencing with feeding challenges.
Special needs

Feeding development solutions for neonatal intensive care

  • Time to read: 3 min.
Read more
A nurse gives a mother information about mastitis.
Breastfeeding

Mastitis

  • Time to read: 3 min.
Read more
A mother gets advice from a nurse at the hospital on using the Symphony® breast pump.
Benefits of breast milk

At-risk conditions for initiation

  • Time to read: 4 min.
Read more
A mom pumping with a rented Medela Symphony PLUS® breast pump in the comfort of her living room.
Research & literature

Double pumping

  • Time to read: 3 min.
Read more
Browse all knowledge
Symposium 2025 (Europe Edition)13 - 14 November 2025

Medela's Breastfeeding & Lactation Symposium Series 2025

The Second European edition of Medela´s Breastfeeding & Lactation Symposium Series 2025, taking place on the 13 and 14 November, 2025 and hosted as a hybrid event with live-streaming from Lisbon, Portugal. This event is part of the Medela 17th Global Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium Series focused on advancing lactation science to improve care.

The Symposium features a world-class two-day scientific agenda for healthcare professionals keen to learn about the latest scientific evidence in the field of human milk and lactation and to exchange best practices and strategies to improve the way perinatal teams work together to ensure quality of lactation care and infant feeding in Europe. 

    Education & Training

    This webinar series provides healthcare professionals with information and research results on breastfeeding, breast milk, safety and health of pregnant women, nursing mothers and their babies.

    past webinar

    The Gift of Donor Human Milk: Overcoming Clinical Barriers While Recognizing Parental Roles in Neonatal Care

    This webinar brings together two complementary perspectives that address both the systems that make donor milk available and the human experiences that give it meaning.

    Speakers: Prof. Daniel Klotz & Prof. Tanya M. Cassidy

      Learn more
      A photo of Paula P. Meier.
      Past Webinar

      Rethinking Early Breast Pump Use for NICU Mothers: Lessons from the Healthy Breastfeeding Infant

      This presentation highlights features of the uniquely human sucking pattern used by healthy infants when breastfeeding in the early postpartum days. Also featured are studies demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of Initiation technology™ as well as evidence-based best practices to implement this technology into practice.

       

      Speaker: Paula Meier

      • May 19th, 2026 at 2pm EST
      Learn more
      Past webinar

      Building Successful Perinatal Optimization Teams: Effective teamworking, shared goals and positive communication

      Speaker: Dr Julie-Clare Becher 

      • 3:00 PM CEST / 9:00 AM USA
      Learn more
      Past Webinar

      Preeclampsia, Pumping, and Postpartum Care: A Call to Action for Perinatal Nurses

      Speakers: Diane L. Spatz, PhD, RN-BC, FAWHONN, FAAN

      • January 20, 2026
      Learn more
      A photo of Donna Geddes.
      Past Webinar

      Back to basics: Understanding how breast anatomy and milk flow dynamics are impacted by shield design through ultrasound imaging

      Speaker: Prof. Donna Geddes, DMU, PostGrad Dip. (Sci), PhD,

      • 2025-08-20, 5pm (CST)
      Register now
      Past Webinar

      Aligning with the WHO Code: Strengthening Medela’s Commitment to Breastfeeding

      Speakers: Thomas Golücke, CEO, Angela Lang DNP, RN, IBCLC Global Director of Medical Affairs and Clinical Education, Nania Schärer-Hernández, PhD Global Senior Head of Medical Affairs and Clinical Education, Natacha Jalu, Head of Medical Affairs Europe

      • Original Webinar Date: 2025-07-22
      Learn more
      Woman talking with a friend on a couch while using her Medela Pump In Style® Hands-free double electric breast pump
      AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND

      Pump in Style Enhancements

      Speakers: Kelley Evans, Danielle Prime, Angela Lang, Michelle Zenner

      • Original Webinar Date: May 29, 2025
      Read more

      Advancing the Science and Accessibility of Human Milk for a World Without NEC

      Guest speaker: Jennifer Canvasser and Lars Bode

      • 2025-05-21, 13:00 - 15:00 (CST)
      Register now

      Hot Topics in Human Milk Banking with Summer Kelly, MS, RN, IBCLC

      • 2025-04-29, 13:00 (CST)
      • Summer Kelly, MS, RN, IBCLC
      Read more
      A photo of Dr. Danielle Prime.

      Optimizing milk removal: Understanding pumping curves and suction rhythms with Dr. Danielle Prime

      • 2025-03-05
      • Dr. Danielle Prime
      Read more

      Optimizing Mother’s Own Milk Provision in the First Two Weeks and Its Economic Benefits in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with Dr. Tricia Johnson and Dr. Leslie Parker

      • 2025-03-19
      Read more
      Dr. Sertac Arslanoglu and Professor David Lembo with "EMBA" logo and text, "Supported by Medela"
      Past Webinar

      Update on virus transmission through human milk and regulation of Donor Human Milk in Europe

      • 2024-10-08, 15:00 – 16:40 (CEST)
      • Prof. David Lembo
        Prof. Sertac Arslanoglu
      Read more
      Photo of Rose Horton
      Past Webinar

      Using a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Lens to Impact QI Disparities in the NICU with Rose Horton

      • 2024-10-08, 13:00 (CST)
      • Rose L. Horton, MSM, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, FAAN
      Read more
      A photo of Paula P. Meier.
      Past Webinar

      "My Pumping Pathway”: Standardizing a Personalized Approach to Pumping for Practice and Research

      • 2024-09-24, 13:00 (CST)
      • Dr. Paula Meier, PhD, RN
      Read more
      A photo of Dr. Jae Kim.
      Past Webinar

      Optimal Growth and Nutrition in the NICU Using Mother's (Parent's) Own Milk

      • 2024-09-10, 13:00 (CST)
      • Dr. Jae Kim, MD, PhD
      Read more
      A photo of Paula P. Meier.
      Past Webinar

      Achieving Secretory Activation: Coming to Full Milk Volume

      • 2024-08-06, 13:00 (CST)
      • Dr. Paula Meier, PhD, RN
      Read more
      Photo of Diana Spatz
      Past Webinar

      Informed Decision Making for Human Milk

      • 2024-07-09, 13:00 - 14:00 (CDT)
      • Dr. Diane Spatz, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, FAWHONN
      Read more
      Image of Professor Sven Wellmann and Miguel Saenz
      Past Webinar

      More human milk in the Neonatal Unit – yes, but how?

      • 2024-06-27, 15:00 - 16:40 (CEST)
      • Prof. Sven Wellmann, MD, MBA
        Prof. Miguel Sáenz de Pipaón
      Read more
      Photo of Professor Leslie Parker, Ph.D., ARNP, NNP-BC
      Past Webinar

      Time to First Expression | Improving Lactation Outcomes: Early Strategies for Pre-term Mothers

      • 2024-06-26, 13:00 - 14:00 (CDT)
      • Dr. Leslie Parker
      Read more
      Photo of Dr. Jessica Brumley
      Past Webinar

      Consensus Statement/Early Effective Initiation for Mothers with Risk Factors

      • 2024-05-21, 20:00 - 21:00 (CET)
      • Jessica Brumley CNM, PhD
      Read more
      Keller Matthias sitting at a conference table with papers in front of him looking forward.
      Past Webinar

      Taking ownership: Strategies to bring evidence into clinical practice with Prof Matthias Keller

      • 2024-04-09, 13:00 - 14:00 (CST)
      • Prof Matthias Keller
      Read more
      Photo of Dr. Daniel Klotz and Dr. Sharron Bransburg-Zabary, presenters for the Operational models of milk banking webinar. Photo includes a logo for EMBA, the European Milk Bank Association.
      Past Webinar

      Operational models of milk banking

      • 2024-03-21, 15:00 - 16:40 (CEST)
      • PD Dr. Daniel Klotz, MHBA
        Dr. Sharron Bransburg-Zabary, IBCLC
      Read more
      Past Webinar

      Breast shield sizing: Translating the evidence

      • 2024-02-13, 16:00 - 17:00 (CEST)
      • Dr. Danielle Prime
      Read more
      Past Webinar

      Colostrum Mastery: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice

      • 2024-01-16, 20:00 - 21:00 (CET)
      • Dr. Sarah Reyes
        Jenny Murray, BSN, RN, IBCLC
      Read more
      A photo of Donna Geddes.
      A photo of Donna Geddes.
      Past Webinar

      Is hands-free in-bra pumping effective?

      • 2023-10-18, 16:00 - 17:00 (CEST)
      • Prof. Donna T. Geddes, DMU, PhD
      Read more
      A photo of Dr. Jenny Thomas.
      Past Webinar

      Breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support: Why we do it and why it’s so hard to do

      • 2023-09-20, 20:00 - 21:00 (CEST)
      • Dr. Jenny Thomas, MD, MPH, IBCLC, FAAP, FABM
      Read more
      Past Webinar

      Transitioning vulnerable infants to breastfeeding prior to discharge

      • 2023-08-16, 20:00 - 21:00 (CEST)
      • Taryn Edwards, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC
        Diane L. Spatz, Ph.D., RN-BC, FAAN
      Read more
      Photo of Diana Spatz
      Past Webinar

      Black women do breastfeed beyond a year: Listening to their stories

      • 2023-07-19, 20:00 - 21:00 (CEST)
      • Dr. Diane Spatz, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, FAWHONN
      Read more
      past webinar

      The Gift of Donor Human Milk: Overcoming Clinical Barriers While Recognizing Parental Roles in Neonatal Care

      This webinar brings together two complementary perspectives that address both the systems that make donor milk available and the human experiences that give it meaning.

      Speakers: Prof. Daniel Klotz & Prof. Tanya M. Cassidy

        Learn more
        A photo of Paula P. Meier.
        Past Webinar

        Rethinking Early Breast Pump Use for NICU Mothers: Lessons from the Healthy Breastfeeding Infant

        This presentation highlights features of the uniquely human sucking pattern used by healthy infants when breastfeeding in the early postpartum days. Also featured are studies demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of Initiation technology™ as well as evidence-based best practices to implement this technology into practice.

         

        Speaker: Paula Meier

        • May 19th, 2026 at 2pm EST
        Learn more
        Past webinar

        Building Successful Perinatal Optimization Teams: Effective teamworking, shared goals and positive communication

        Speaker: Dr Julie-Clare Becher 

        • 3:00 PM CEST / 9:00 AM USA
        Learn more
        Past Webinar

        Preeclampsia, Pumping, and Postpartum Care: A Call to Action for Perinatal Nurses

        Speakers: Diane L. Spatz, PhD, RN-BC, FAWHONN, FAAN

        • January 20, 2026
        Learn more
        A photo of Donna Geddes.
        Past Webinar

        Back to basics: Understanding how breast anatomy and milk flow dynamics are impacted by shield design through ultrasound imaging

        Speaker: Prof. Donna Geddes, DMU, PostGrad Dip. (Sci), PhD,

        • 2025-08-20, 5pm (CST)
        Register now
        Past Webinar

        Aligning with the WHO Code: Strengthening Medela’s Commitment to Breastfeeding

        Speakers: Thomas Golücke, CEO, Angela Lang DNP, RN, IBCLC Global Director of Medical Affairs and Clinical Education, Nania Schärer-Hernández, PhD Global Senior Head of Medical Affairs and Clinical Education, Natacha Jalu, Head of Medical Affairs Europe

        • Original Webinar Date: 2025-07-22
        Learn more
        Woman talking with a friend on a couch while using her Medela Pump In Style® Hands-free double electric breast pump
        AVAILABLE ON-DEMAND

        Pump in Style Enhancements

        Speakers: Kelley Evans, Danielle Prime, Angela Lang, Michelle Zenner

        • Original Webinar Date: May 29, 2025
        Read more

        Advancing the Science and Accessibility of Human Milk for a World Without NEC

        Guest speaker: Jennifer Canvasser and Lars Bode

        • 2025-05-21, 13:00 - 15:00 (CST)
        Register now

        Hot Topics in Human Milk Banking with Summer Kelly, MS, RN, IBCLC

        • 2025-04-29, 13:00 (CST)
        • Summer Kelly, MS, RN, IBCLC
        Read more
        A photo of Dr. Danielle Prime.

        Optimizing milk removal: Understanding pumping curves and suction rhythms with Dr. Danielle Prime

        • 2025-03-05
        • Dr. Danielle Prime
        Read more

        Optimizing Mother’s Own Milk Provision in the First Two Weeks and Its Economic Benefits in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with Dr. Tricia Johnson and Dr. Leslie Parker

        • 2025-03-19
        Read more
        Dr. Sertac Arslanoglu and Professor David Lembo with "EMBA" logo and text, "Supported by Medela"
        Past Webinar

        Update on virus transmission through human milk and regulation of Donor Human Milk in Europe

        • 2024-10-08, 15:00 – 16:40 (CEST)
        • Prof. David Lembo
          Prof. Sertac Arslanoglu
        Read more
        Photo of Rose Horton
        Past Webinar

        Using a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Lens to Impact QI Disparities in the NICU with Rose Horton

        • 2024-10-08, 13:00 (CST)
        • Rose L. Horton, MSM, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, FAAN
        Read more
        A photo of Paula P. Meier.
        Past Webinar

        "My Pumping Pathway”: Standardizing a Personalized Approach to Pumping for Practice and Research

        • 2024-09-24, 13:00 (CST)
        • Dr. Paula Meier, PhD, RN
        Read more
        A photo of Dr. Jae Kim.
        Past Webinar

        Optimal Growth and Nutrition in the NICU Using Mother's (Parent's) Own Milk

        • 2024-09-10, 13:00 (CST)
        • Dr. Jae Kim, MD, PhD
        Read more
        A photo of Paula P. Meier.
        Past Webinar

        Achieving Secretory Activation: Coming to Full Milk Volume

        • 2024-08-06, 13:00 (CST)
        • Dr. Paula Meier, PhD, RN
        Read more
        Photo of Diana Spatz
        Past Webinar

        Informed Decision Making for Human Milk

        • 2024-07-09, 13:00 - 14:00 (CDT)
        • Dr. Diane Spatz, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, FAWHONN
        Read more
        Image of Professor Sven Wellmann and Miguel Saenz
        Past Webinar

        More human milk in the Neonatal Unit – yes, but how?

        • 2024-06-27, 15:00 - 16:40 (CEST)
        • Prof. Sven Wellmann, MD, MBA
          Prof. Miguel Sáenz de Pipaón
        Read more
        Photo of Professor Leslie Parker, Ph.D., ARNP, NNP-BC
        Past Webinar

        Time to First Expression | Improving Lactation Outcomes: Early Strategies for Pre-term Mothers

        • 2024-06-26, 13:00 - 14:00 (CDT)
        • Dr. Leslie Parker
        Read more
        Photo of Dr. Jessica Brumley
        Past Webinar

        Consensus Statement/Early Effective Initiation for Mothers with Risk Factors

        • 2024-05-21, 20:00 - 21:00 (CET)
        • Jessica Brumley CNM, PhD
        Read more
        Keller Matthias sitting at a conference table with papers in front of him looking forward.
        Past Webinar

        Taking ownership: Strategies to bring evidence into clinical practice with Prof Matthias Keller

        • 2024-04-09, 13:00 - 14:00 (CST)
        • Prof Matthias Keller
        Read more
        Photo of Dr. Daniel Klotz and Dr. Sharron Bransburg-Zabary, presenters for the Operational models of milk banking webinar. Photo includes a logo for EMBA, the European Milk Bank Association.
        Past Webinar

        Operational models of milk banking

        • 2024-03-21, 15:00 - 16:40 (CEST)
        • PD Dr. Daniel Klotz, MHBA
          Dr. Sharron Bransburg-Zabary, IBCLC
        Read more
        Past Webinar

        Breast shield sizing: Translating the evidence

        • 2024-02-13, 16:00 - 17:00 (CEST)
        • Dr. Danielle Prime
        Read more
        Past Webinar

        Colostrum Mastery: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice

        • 2024-01-16, 20:00 - 21:00 (CET)
        • Dr. Sarah Reyes
          Jenny Murray, BSN, RN, IBCLC
        Read more
        A photo of Donna Geddes.
        A photo of Donna Geddes.
        Past Webinar

        Is hands-free in-bra pumping effective?

        • 2023-10-18, 16:00 - 17:00 (CEST)
        • Prof. Donna T. Geddes, DMU, PhD
        Read more
        A photo of Dr. Jenny Thomas.
        Past Webinar

        Breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support: Why we do it and why it’s so hard to do

        • 2023-09-20, 20:00 - 21:00 (CEST)
        • Dr. Jenny Thomas, MD, MPH, IBCLC, FAAP, FABM
        Read more
        Past Webinar

        Transitioning vulnerable infants to breastfeeding prior to discharge

        • 2023-08-16, 20:00 - 21:00 (CEST)
        • Taryn Edwards, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC
          Diane L. Spatz, Ph.D., RN-BC, FAAN
        Read more
        Photo of Diana Spatz
        Past Webinar

        Black women do breastfeed beyond a year: Listening to their stories

        • 2023-07-19, 20:00 - 21:00 (CEST)
        • Dr. Diane Spatz, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, FAWHONN
        Read more
        Browse all webinars
        One doctor smiling at camera other doctor looking at a chart.

        Discover in-depth courses at Medela University

        We invite you to explore Medela University where you will find online courses for healthcare professionals on breastfeeding & lactation. We also offer a number of free webinars.

          Hospital Product & Solutions

          As the healthcare choice for more than six million hospitals and homes across the globe, Medela provides leading research-based breast milk feeding and baby products, healthcare solutions for hospitals, and clinical education – to building better health outcomes and nurturing health for generations.

          Symphony® No. 1 hospital pump and sets

          The Symphony breast pump by Medela is a double electric hospital-grade breast pump available for rental.
          Find out more
          Medela Symphony® breast pump | INITIATE. MAINTAIN.

          NICU

          Calesca is a waterless warming and thawing device that optimises and standardises human milk processes. It can be placed on an IV pole beside each NICU bed or on a worktop for preparing feeds
          Find out more
          The Calesca Warming and Thawing Device from Medela.

          Disposable bottles & Colostrum container

          When expressing breast milk, it is essential for the baby’s health to collect the milk carefully and hygienically in BPA-free bottles or containers.
          Find out more
          Medela Disposable bottles can be used straight out of the packaging without prior cleaning. Dispose after use,

          Reusable bottles

          Medela reusable breast milk bottles are designed for repeated use and are suitable for hospitals that apply traditional cleaning and sterilising practices.
          Find out more
          Reusable bottles 80ml

          Symphony® No. 1 hospital pump and sets

          The Symphony breast pump by Medela is a double electric hospital-grade breast pump available for rental.
          Find out more
          Medela Symphony® breast pump | INITIATE. MAINTAIN.

          NICU

          Calesca is a waterless warming and thawing device that optimises and standardises human milk processes. It can be placed on an IV pole beside each NICU bed or on a worktop for preparing feeds
          Find out more
          The Calesca Warming and Thawing Device from Medela.

          Disposable bottles & Colostrum container

          When expressing breast milk, it is essential for the baby’s health to collect the milk carefully and hygienically in BPA-free bottles or containers.
          Find out more
          Medela Disposable bottles can be used straight out of the packaging without prior cleaning. Dispose after use,

          Reusable bottles

          Medela reusable breast milk bottles are designed for repeated use and are suitable for hospitals that apply traditional cleaning and sterilising practices.
          Find out more
          Reusable bottles 80ml

          Help & contact

          Symphony hub

          Discover Symphony Hub, your online resource for easy, step-by-step pumping instructions. Save time and get the support you need with Symphony.

          Symphony rental

          Medela's Symphony Rental Breast Pump is a double electric hospital-grade pump available for rental. Developed with extensive clinical research.

          Beginnings journal

          Explore “Beginnings” for insights into lactation research, expert tips, and best practices for NICU and maternity care professionals. Download now!

          Commitment to breastfeeding

          We are fully committed to the International Code and resolutely support mothers, babies and families along their breastfeeding journey.

          Mother support

          Supporting new mothers on their breastfeeding journey.

          Submit an enquiry

          Have a question? Get in touch with our team and we'll get back to you.