Fundación Universitaria María Cano, Popayán Campus, continues to strengthen its commitment to health promotion and community well-being through the active participation of its academic programs in spaces dedicated to knowledge sharing, professional development, and academic discussion. On this occasion, the Speech-Language Pathology Program participated in the 10th Breastfeeding Symposium, organized by Hospital Universitario San José de Popayán, an academic event that brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, and students to address one of the most important topics for early childhood development.

Held at the Guillermo León Valencia Theater, the symposium provided an opportunity to highlight the essential role of Speech-Language Pathology in supporting mothers, newborns, and families during the earliest stages of life, helping to ensure safe feeding processes and promoting healthy physical, communicative, and cognitive development from birth.

During the event, participants emphasized the profession’s contributions to the assessment and intervention of sucking, swallowing, and breathing mechanisms—key functions for successful breastfeeding and healthy child development. Early identification of anatomical or functional difficulties helps prevent feeding disorders and supports the overall well-being of infants.

The symposium also highlighted the importance of professional guidance in preventing early breastfeeding discontinuation, providing mothers with support and strategies to overcome challenges and promote healthy nutrition and development.

Another important topic focused on the value of skin-to-skin contact and early interaction between mother and child. These experiences strengthen emotional bonding and create the foundations for communication and language development, generating positive effects on children’s emotional and social well-being.

Participation in these academic spaces also enriches the education of future healthcare professionals by strengthening their understanding of interdisciplinary work and its importance in promoting public health and improving quality of life within communities.

Through its participation in the 10th Breastfeeding Symposium, Fundación Universitaria María Cano reaffirms its commitment to educating highly qualified, human-centered professionals capable of contributing to child health and the comprehensive development of early childhood. In doing so, the institution continues to support the creation of healthier communities and better opportunities for future generations.

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