POGS and AMOGS organise ‘Lactacon 2026’ with Focus on Strengthening Breastfeeding Support and Awareness
Pune, 28 July 2026: The Pune Obstetric & Gynaecological Society (POGS), in association with the AMOGS Breast Health Committee, successfully organised ‘Lactacon 2026’, a one-day scientific conference focused on strengthening breastfeeding awareness, support systems and evidence-based practices among healthcare professionals. Dr. Hema Divakar, Division Director FIGO Well Women Healthcare, an initiative of FIGO, Dr Mangala Wani ,Convenor for Lactacon 2026, Dr Uma Wankhede, President, POGS, Dr Charulata Bapaye, General Secretary, POGS , Dr Archana Pungliya Clinical Secretary, POGS, Dr Amol Lunkad as Treasurer, POGS , Dr. Meenu Aggrawal, Vice President FOGSI were present at the inauguration.
Held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Boat Club, Pune, the conference brought together obstetricians, gynaecologists, paediatricians, lactation consultants, nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliberate on contemporary challenges and practical approaches in breastfeeding and lactation care. The monthly newsletter Speculum and a breastfeeding promotion poster were also released during the occasion.
The conference was themed ‘Breastfeeding Today, Stronger Babies. Healthier Families. Better Tomorrow’, highlighting the importance of coordinated healthcare efforts to improve breastfeeding outcomes for mothers and babies.
The scientific programme, centred around ‘The Lactation Lens’, covered key aspects of breastfeeding care, including the critical first hour after birth, breast-milk substitutes and marketing regulations, formula milk and pollution, challenges faced by parents in sustaining breastfeeding, breastfeeding as a right and not merely a privilege, milk banking, and the role and impact of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).Sessions also focused on clinical updates and practical skills, including optimising breastfeeding support within obstetric practice, lactation care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), and feeding support for preterm infants, supporting breastfeeding mothers online, oncolactation for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment.
Delivering her key note address, Dr. Hema Divakar, Division Director FIGO Well Women Healthcare, an initiative of FIGO, said that “Breastfeeding success depends not only on a mother’s determination but on the quality of support she receives.We need trained breastfeeding facilitators embedded within the healthcare system. The biggest challenges remain inconsistent counselling, delayed initiation, poor feeding techniques, low maternal confidence, early formula supplementation, and missed opportunities beginning in antenatal care. Obstetricians, paediatricians, nurses, midwives, ANMs, ASHAs, lactation counsellors, and community health workers must all be equipped with evidence-based counselling skills. Through structured skilling, continuous mentorship, and institutional commitment, we can transform every healthcare provider into a confident breastfeeding champion and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.”
Rajlakshmi Nair, Nutritionist for UNICEF in Maharashtra, in an audio message said that climate change is increasingly affecting the health of mothers, pregnant women, and newborns, making breastfeeding more critical than ever. She emphasized that breastfeeding is not just about feeding but about nurturing children and building healthier brains and brighter futures. While scientific evidence strongly supports exclusive breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding, Maharashtra must continue strengthening these efforts across all districts. Urgent action is needed to promote early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and timely complementary feeding to help every child grow to their full potential.
Dr. Ameya Purandare, President of AMOGS, said in a video message, “Breastfeeding is one of the most impactful public health interventions. It not only saves lives and improves the health of both mothers and children but also strengthens families and lays the foundation for a healthier society.”
Convenor of the conference Dr.Mangala Wani said that “Training and sensitisation of healthcare professionals on breastfeeding is extremely important. Every gynaecological conference should have a dedicated session on breastfeeding to ensure that healthcare providers are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to support mothers.
