The European Breastfeeding Forum MUM MOOD will take place on October 12, 2024, in Nice. This exceptional event, open to the general public and professionals, offers conferences, round tables, and workshops on breastfeeding issues.
The European Breastfeeding Forum MUM MOOD will be held in Nice, at The Anantara Plaza, on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Unlike other events reserved for professionals, this forum is open to the general public. Philippe Déjardin, communications officer for the association, emphasizes that this event is unique. Indeed, it is “the only forum in the world that opens its doors to both professionals and the general public.” The organizers aim to provide an accessible platform. Thus, parents, especially mothers, can find reliable information there, allowing them to make informed choices about breastfeeding.
European experts at the forefront of breastfeeding research
This second edition offers a rich morning program with conferences led by European experts. Philippe Déjardin notes that “these specialists come from Switzerland, Belgium, and other European countries.” Among them, Dr. Ragnar Weissmann, a recognized expert on the microbiome and its crucial role in breastfeeding, will give a presentation from 10 am to 11 am explaining the benefits of breast milk on the health of babies and mothers.
Dr. Dominique Leyronnas, a specialist in weight gain among breastfed infants in maternity wards, will present the advantages of breastfeeding. Indeed, he will highlight specific benefits observed during the early weeks of life. Furthermore, Dr. Melissa Mialon will address a crucial topic: the influence of food lobbies. She will also highlight the role of Big Food in parental choices. This conference will take place from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm and highlight the economic pressures that influence parents’ dietary decisions for their infants.
Breastfeeding: a free and informed choice
The main objective of this event is to provide parents with tools for making informed decisions. Thus, they can distance themselves from commercial and social pressures. Philippe Déjardin underscores this intention. He wants to “break stereotypes and the pressures exerted by powdered milk manufacturers.” He also reminds that “breast milk is not only the best food for the baby but also the best medicine against breast cancer for the mother“. In other words, this forum seeks to restore a medical truth often overshadowed by commercial interests.
Round tables to discuss breastfeeding challenges
In the afternoon, participants can attend two round tables on practical and social issues related to breastfeeding. The first round table, titled “Breastfeeding on a large scale” (3 pm-4 pm), will feature renowned speakers. Among them are Mathilde Cohen, a law professor, and Suzanne Colson, a midwife and founder of the Biological Nurturing method. One objective of this discussion is to reflect on how to normalize breastfeeding in public. This subject is fundamental to the association. Indeed, creating a supportive breastfeeding environment is crucial. Additionally, the association mentions recent happenings organized by MUM MOOD. These events brought together women who breastfed collectively in public places.
This aims to denounce disapproving looks and social pressures they face. The second round table, “How to support to reduce inequalities” (4:30 pm-5:30 pm), will focus on the need to remove social and professional barriers that hinder breastfeeding. Speakers like journalist Christelle Juteau and director Nina Narre will discuss how social norms influence mothers’ choices and how they can reconcile breastfeeding with returning to work. Philippe Déjardin also emphasizes the importance of understanding that “every woman should be able to breastfeed without pressure.”
A day of sharing, with workshops and exhibitions
To make this day even more enriching, the forum will offer several practical workshops, ranging from baby first aid to sign language for toddlers. These workshops, available upon reservation, allow parents to acquire useful skills for their daily lives. In parallel, photo exhibitions on breastfeeding will be presented, offering an artistic and respectful view of this natural act.
A jazz concert will be organized between conferences and round tables. This musical interlude will offer participants a moment of relaxation before resuming afternoon discussions.
A commitment to parents’ freedom of choice
Ultimately, the MUM MOOD Forum is a unique opportunity to access reliable and up-to-date information on breastfeeding. With high-level speakers and interactive round tables, the forum aims to be an open dialogue space. Philippe Déjardin reminds us that the goal is to “allow parents, and especially mothers, to make their choices fully informed“, without being subjected to the pressures of lobbies or restrictive social norms.
