Continuing education doesn’t always have to happen in a conference hall. Sometimes, it happens on the open ocean.
The Center for Breastfeeding—part of the Healthy Children Project—offers a unique professional development opportunity each year: the Breastfeeding Symposium at Sea. This innovative conference combines high-quality lactation education with the unforgettable experience of cruising to beautiful destinations alongside colleagues and mentors in the field of maternal and infant health.
For lactation professionals, nurses, doulas, childbirth educators, and others who support breastfeeding families, the symposium offers a rare opportunity to deepen knowledge while building meaningful professional connections in an inspiring setting.
A Conference Unlike Any Other
The Breastfeeding Symposium at Sea blends rigorous clinical education with the relaxed atmosphere of a cruise. Attendees participate in educational sessions while traveling to stunning destinations, creating a learning experience that is both stimulating and restorative.
The upcoming 2026 symposium will take place September 21–28, 2026, sailing round-trip from Seattle to Alaska aboard the Anthem of the Seas. Participants spend the week attending classes, engaging in discussions with leading researchers and clinicians, and networking with colleagues while exploring the dramatic landscapes of Alaska.
The event is designed to be both intellectually engaging and enjoyable. In addition to conference sessions, attendees can take advantage of cruise amenities, excursions, and social gatherings with peers who share a passion for improving care for mothers and babies.
Continuing Education for Lactation Professionals
One of the key benefits of the symposium is the opportunity to earn continuing education credits in a collaborative and immersive environment.
Participants can enroll in multiple educational tracks and earn contact hours applicable for Registered Nurses (RNs), Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs), and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). By attending all available sessions in the 2026 program, participants can earn up to 30 contact hours of professional education.
The curriculum reflects the latest developments in lactation science and clinical care, with sessions designed to support evidence-based practice and practical skills.
2026 Educational Tracks
The 2026 program includes six in-depth tracks led by internationally recognized experts in lactation and maternal-infant health.
Topics include:
Media Influences on Birth and Breastfeeding
Explores how cultural narratives and media portrayals shape expectations around birth and breastfeeding—and how professionals can help families navigate those messages.
Oxytocin, Pitocin, and Labor Medications
Examines the physiology of oxytocin, the effects of synthetic oxytocin during labor, and how these factors influence breastfeeding outcomes.
Communication and Ethics in Lactation: A Skills Lab
Focuses on strengthening counseling skills and ethical decision-making when supporting breastfeeding families.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: What Do We Know and Why Does It Matter?
A deep dive into the evidence behind immediate skin-to-skin contact and its physiological and psychological effects on mothers and newborns.
Latch: A New Approach to Old Problems
Provides practical strategies for assessing and improving latch, one of the most common clinical challenges in breastfeeding support.
Unique Findings in Human Lactation: Research Updates
Reviews emerging research in lactation science and its implications for clinical practice.
Each session is designed not only to present current research but also to translate evidence into practical tools clinicians can use with families.
Networking in a Unique Setting
Professional conferences often provide valuable learning opportunities, but the Breastfeeding Symposium at Sea adds something extra: time.
Because participants travel together for an entire week, there are countless opportunities for informal conversation, collaboration, and connection. Discussions begun in the classroom often continue over meals, during shore excursions, or while watching glaciers drift by.
These shared experiences help foster lasting professional relationships and strengthen the global network of clinicians and advocates working to improve breastfeeding support.
A Balance of Learning and Adventure
In addition to educational sessions, attendees have time to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska. Ports of call may include glacier-filled fjords, coastal towns, and wilderness areas rich in wildlife and natural beauty.
The combination of continuing education and travel creates a conference experience that participants often describe as both energizing and restorative.
Cruise amenities—such as dining, entertainment, and recreation—allow attendees to unwind after sessions while continuing conversations with colleagues who share similar professional passions.
Why Conferences Like This Matter
Breastfeeding support is a rapidly evolving field. Research on lactation physiology, infant microbiomes, maternal mental health, and early newborn care continues to reshape best practices.
Events like the Breastfeeding Symposium at Sea play a critical role in translating emerging evidence into real-world clinical practice. They give healthcare professionals the opportunity to update their knowledge, refine their skills, and return home better equipped to support families.
At the same time, they remind participants that caring for caregivers matters too. Time spent learning in inspiring environments can renew passion for the work of improving maternal and infant health.
Setting Sail for Learning
For clinicians who want a continuing education experience that is both meaningful and memorable, the Breastfeeding Symposium at Sea offers something truly special.
It’s a chance to explore new ideas, connect with leaders in the field, and gain practical skills—while sailing through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
And perhaps most importantly, it’s an opportunity to strengthen the global community dedicated to supporting breastfeeding families.