This presentation explores how the war in Ukraine has affected breastfeeding practices, maternal decision-making, and infant nutrition. Drawing on survey data and lived experiences of Ukrainian mother, it highlights the challenges families face in crisis conditions, including disrupted healthcare systems, stress, and widespread formula distribution. The session also examines how these factors influence breastfeeding duration, self-efficacy, and feeding choices. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of professional lactation support and evidence-based counseling in improving outcomes. Ultimately, the presentation provides both clinical insights and real-world perspectives from a country experiencing prolonged conflict.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand the impact of armed conflict on breastfeeding practices and infant feeding decisions in Ukraine.
2. Analyze how external factors such as humanitarian aid, stress, and healthcare guidance influence maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and duration.
3. Identify evidence-based strategies, including lactation counseling, to support breastfeeding in emergency and crisis settings.

Because this will be pre-recorded with the presenters, registrants will be added to a discussion board on MyABM where they can submit questions and comments to the presenter after viewing the recording. Once the recording is available, you can find the discussion thread once logged in under Groups on the left side menu. Please note that responses on the discussion board will not be instantaneous, and you should expect about a week for a response. 

ABM Grand Rounds is a monthly webinar program addressing current clinical practice guidelines in the care of breastfeeding parents and infants. ABM Grand Rounds are offered on-demand in the ABM Education Center.

On-demand & CME:

The on-demand video, along with CME and the evaluation, will be available until December 31, 2027.

Course Description:

This series as web-based enduring material will address current clinical practice guidelines in the care of breastfeeding parents and infants. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine empowers health professionals to provide safe, inclusive, patient-centered, and evidence-based care. As a result of this activity, learners should be better able to address evolving issues in the clinical setting of breastfeeding medicine.

Desired Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Identify current evidence-based recommendations for managing common medical issues that may impact breastfeeding success
• Develop a global perspective on issues and treatments in breastfeeding medicine

Effective Date:

May 2026

Expiration Date:

December 2027

Learning medium:

To receive credit, participants will need to watch the video

Target Audience:

Providers in Family Medicine, Ob/GYN, Pediatrics, and Lactation Consultants

Accreditation:

Jointly Provided by the University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and the University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing. The University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

The University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing awards 1hour of participation (consistent with the designated number of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^TM  or ANCC contact hours) to a participant who successfully completes this educational activity. The University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing maintains a record of participation for six (6) years.

Full Disclosure Policy Affecting CME Activities: 

As a joint accredited provider, the University of Virginia Office of CME/CE requires attested and signed global disclosure of the existence of all financial interests or relationships with commercial interest from any individual in a position to control the content of a CME activity sponsored by OCME.

No one in a position to control the content of this educational activity has disclosed a relevant financial interest or relationship with any commercial interest.

Disclosure of faculty financial affiliations:

The University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing as a Joint Accreditation Provider adhere to the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, released in December 2020, as well as Commonwealth of Virginia statutes, University of Virginia policies and procedures, and associated federal and private regulations and guidelines. As the accredited provider for this CE/IPCE activity, we are responsible for ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to professional development activities that are based on best practices and scientific integrity that ultimately supports the care of patients and the public.

All individuals involved in the development and delivery of content for an accredited CE/IPCE activity are expected to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies occurring within the past 24 months (such as grants or research support, employee, consultant, stock holder, member of speakers bureau, etc.).  The University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing employ appropriate mechanisms to resolve potential conflicts of interest and ensure the educational design reflects content validity, scientific rigor and balance for participants.  Questions about specific strategies can be directed to the University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.

The faculty, staff, CE Advisory Committee and planning committee engaged in the development and/or peer review of this CE/IPCE activity in the Joint Accreditation CE Office of the School of Medicine and School of Nursing have no financial affiliations to disclose.

Disclosure of discussion of non-FDA approved uses for pharmaceutical products and/or medical devices:

As a Joint Accreditation provider, the University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing, requires that all faculty presenters identify and disclose any off-label or experimental uses for pharmaceutical and medical device products. It is recommended that each clinician fully review all the available data on new products or procedures prior to clinical use.

Disclaimer information:

CE activities accredited by the University of Virginia School of Medicine and School of Nursing are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of certification of competency. Practitioners should always consult additional sources of information and exercise their best professional judgment before making clinical decisions of any kind.