Praborini Lactation Team Brings Indonesian Clinical Experience to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) 31st Annual International Meeting at Toronto

^{ABM speakers and participants from across Asia at the annual meeting in Toronto.}

Toronto, Canada — Praborini Lactation Team participated in the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) 31st Annual International Meeting, held October 13–15, 2026. The meeting brought together physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals from around the world. ABM distinguishes Physician Membership from Affiliate Membership. Non-healthcare conference participation, organizational affiliation, or co-authorship of a case report does not confer clinical qualifications, professional credentials, or ABM endorsement.

The four-member Praborini Lactation Team comprised Asti Praborini, MD, Pediatrician, IBCLC, FABM (Dr. Rini); Dr. Anjar Setiani, MD, Pediatrician, IBCLC; Dyah Febriyanti, MD, IBCLC, FABM; and Willey Elliot, MD, MPH, IBCLC. Their participation provided a platform to share clinical experience from Indonesia and strengthen international professional connections.

Breast abscess surgery does not necessarily mean weaning

In the Case Presentations session, dr. Rini and dr. Dyah presented “When Conventional Drainage Surgery Does Not Mean Weaning: A Case Series of Breastfeeding Preservation in Four Dyads With Lactational Breast Abscess.”

^{Presentation of the four-dyad case series of integrated surgical and breastfeeding-lactation clinical care at ABM 2026.}

The series described four mother–infant dyads in which a lactational breast abscess required incision and drainage; one mother had experienced a recurrent abscess. Management addressed infection and wound care while also evaluating milk transfer, maternal comfort, and each infant’s feeding needs.

The cases highlighted collaboration among surgeons, pediatricians, and IBCLC physicians. Surgical drainage does not, by itself, require weaning. Decisions should be individualized, with attention to the safety and continuity of breastfeeding for both mother and infant.

“Treating maternal disease and protecting breastfeeding are not competing goals. Both belong within comprehensive care for mothers and infants.”

Clinical practice, new evidence, and wider perspectives

The ABM 2026 program covered lactation physiology, clinical management, mental health, physician education, and equitable access to breastfeeding support. Selected highlights from the published agenda included:

• Hyperlactation —  Elizabeth Elsagga, Lena Edelstein, and Ofri Hayosh explored definitions and clinical uncertainties around hyperlactation.
• Formula supplementation —  Alison Mildon, Jessica Zimmer, and Aunjrya Fleming examined unnecessary hospital formula supplementation as a health equity issue.
• Breast pump use —  Anne Eglash discussed practical aspects of pumping in appropriate clinical context.
• Skin-to-skin contact —  Julie Grady, Louise Bastarache, and Irena Zakarija-Grkovic reviewed Cochrane evidence supporting skin-to-skin contact after birth.
• Ankyloglossia —  Michal Mansovsky, Yvonne LeFort, Rima Strassman, and Nadine Manson presented the Clinical Assessment Process for Treating Ankyloglossia (CAPTA).
• Medication and immunology —  Essie Heinonen spoke on lithium therapy in breastfeeding patients; Lori Feldman-Winter addressed the immunobiology of breast milk.
• Community support —  Ezura Madiana Monoto addressed peer counselling, digital innovation, and family engagement in breastfeeding support in Malaysia.

Exchanging perspectives with La Leche League Canada

With a representative of GOLD Learning.

On Friday, October 16, 2026, following the main Annual Meeting, ABM and Vida Maternal and Infant Health Alliance convened the Lactational Mastitis Research Summit. This separate, half-day post-conference event focused on unresolved questions and evidence gaps in mastitis care. Building on evolving understanding of the mastitis spectrum, the summit was designed to bring clinicians, researchers, and patient perspectives together to prioritize questions about causes and risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and patient experience. Its purpose was to inform a practical research agenda rather than simply restate existing guidance.

^{dr Anjar during the discussion at the Lactational Mastitis Research Summit.}

Connecting with ABM leadership

Praborini Lactation Team with Dr. Elien Rouw, MD, FABM — ABM Immediate Past President.

Praborini Lactation Team with Dr. Julie Ware, MD, MPH, IBCLC, FABM — ABM President.

Beyond the scientific sessions, the conference offered opportunities to connect with colleagues from different health systems, educational organizations, and professional leaders. These exchanges reinforced the value of continuing education and translating research into practical support for breastfeeding families in Indonesia.

^{Meeting fellow professionals during ABM 2026.}

“When breastfeeding becomes difficult, we should not rush to recommend weaning or make pumping the default answer. First identify and address the underlying problem instead of simply changing how milk is delivered. Even when an abscess requires surgery, breastfeeding should be supported whenever it is safe for both mother and infant.”

More than a conference trip

Following the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) 31st Annual International Meeting in Toronto on October 13–15, 2026, the Praborini Lactation Team group continued its journey to Alberta, Canada. After several days of scientific sessions and clinical exchange, this part of the trip offered an opportunity to spend time together beyond the conference venue.

One of the stops was Red Deer, where the group visited relatives living in the area. The family gathering brought a welcome sense of warmth and a relaxing pause after the busy conference schedule.

The journey also included visits to Calgary, Banff, and Lake Louise. The sweeping Canadian Rockies and the turquoise waters of Lake Louise provided memorable scenery. Although the Alberta visit was separate from the ABM scientific programme, it became a meaningful conclusion to the trip—strengthening friendships and creating lasting memories of Canada.

Visiting family in Red Deer, Alberta.

Taking in the scenery around Banff in the Canadian Rockies.

^{A shared moment at Lake Louise, framed by the Canadian Rockies in Alberta.}

From a family visit in Red Deer to the mountain landscapes of Banff, these moments capture the journey beyond the scientific meeting.  Alongside scientific exchange and professional connections, the journey made room for friendship, time together, and new experiences to carry home.