In this session we will learn about how the Alabama Prison Birth Project utilizes a community based approach to addressing pregnancy and incarceration by listening to the needs of incarcerated pregnant people in their state and responding to those needs. We will also explore how to identify unique needs in your own communities and how to create solutions using your knowledge as doulas and community members, to create lasting and impactful change. 

In-Person and Live-Stream

Birth and Postpartum work is deeply meaningful—but it can also be emotionally intense. Doulas sometimes witness trauma, navigate unpredictable birth and postpartum outcomes, and provide unwavering support to families. Over time, this emotional labor can lead to secondary trauma and burnout. How can we continue to rise in this work while remaining Rooted in Resilience?

Join Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, author of Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others, and The Age of Overwhelm: Strategies for the Long Haul, for a candid Q&A style discussion about the impact of trauma exposure on doulas. Moderated by Adriana Lozada, Advanced DONA Certified Doula and host of the popular perinatal podcast, Birthful, this session will explore how to recognize when trauma is accumulating, ways to shift our focus to prevent emotional exhaustion, and practical self-care strategies that go beyond quick fixes.

This engaging Q&A will provide doulas with actionable steps to integrate trauma stewardship into their practice—allowing them to show up for families while also caring for themselves.

After the conversation, Laura will be available for a short time for a book signing.

In-Person and Live-Stream

DONA Leadership invites DONA members to our annual membership meeting!

As a not-for-profit membership organization, DONA International leaders offer a member meeting once a year.  The member meeting often takes place during our annual conference.  It is a live event, however the recordings are offered for members via our online webinar platform, Elevate. 

Live Attendees and On-Demand viewers will receive 1 DONA Contact hour for attendance at the membership meeting.

Topics Discussed:

• State of DONA International
• Reports from all areas (Membership, Education, Certification, and Financial, DEI, Advocacy etc.)
• Highlights from the past year
• Highlights of current and upcoming projects
• Ways to get involved and help your voice be heard

This interactive session will explore the exciting and rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on the doula profession and model of care. We’ll explore and consider the practical applications of AI tools for business growth, client care, and professional development, while critically examining the ethical considerations and potential pitfalls. 

The session will encourage doulas to: 

● Develop a foundational understanding of AI concepts and terminology 

● Identify potential applications of AI in doula practice 

● Explore the ethical implications of AI use in healthcare and client care 

● Learn to identify and mitigate potential risks and biases associated with AI 

● Develop a personal framework for responsible and ethical AI use 

● Gain practical skills in choosing and utilizing appropriate AI tools 

● Understand the importance of data privacy and security in the context of AI 

This session will be in-person and live-streamed. 

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the most common complications of pregnancy and postpartum, yet they often go unrecognized. In this keynote session, Dr. Sara Moyer will examine the evolving landscape of perinatal mental health and introduce the Perinatal Mental Health Screenings Toolkit, including the recently updated EPDS-US screening tool and PMH Connect resource/information sheet.

Learn how this critical screening tool is being refined to better identify those at risk, and explore the role of birth and postpartum professionals in fostering person-centered  education, early detection, intervention, and meaningful support for families.

After the keynote, Dr. Moyer will facilitate a concurrent session where doulas can dive deeper and practice using the tools discussed in the keynote.

In-Person and Live-Stream

This panel discussion will explore impactful strategies for integrating doulas into hospital settings through a global lens, highlighting real-world successes and challenges. Drawing from case studies in Kenya’s Lwala community and analyses from several facilities participating in the Doula Friendly® Initiative of over 100 clinical and nonclinical providers in the US, participants will examine how collaboration between doulas and healthcare teams enhances the birthing experience, strengthens patient advocacy, and fosters trust between hospitals, doulas, and communities.

Through engaging discussions, videos, and interactive technology, attendees will explore strategies to overcome barriers and foster seamless collaboration between doulas and healthcare teams. The session will also provide practical advocacy strategies for sustainable doula inclusion, including workforce development and policy initiatives that ensure equitable access to doula care. Designed to be interactive and thought-provoking, this special session will equip doulas and healthcare professionals with the tools to advance respectful, patient-centered perinatal care across diverse settings.

Implicit bias shapes how we see the world—and how we show up for the families we serve. While doulas are committed to compassionate, equitable care, unconscious biases—both personal and systemic—can create barriers to that support.

This keynote explores how bias manifests in birth and postpartum work and its impact on maternal health outcomes. We’ll go beyond awareness to focus on action: how to recognize bias in ourselves and others, how to respond in the moment, and how to advocate effectively within healthcare systems.

Participants will leave with practical strategies for fostering accountability, addressing bias in real time, and creating a birth culture where every parent is seen, heard, and empowered. By rooting ourselves in equity, we can rise together as a stronger, more inclusive birth community.

This session will be in-person and live-streamed. 

Doulas provide care with their hands, but it is their hearts that sustain the work. In this powerful keynote, Ellen Burton will explore the essential connection between personal well-being and professional impact. Attendees will gain practical tools to cultivate total self-care, maintain balance, and navigate the evolving healthcare landscape with confidence. With a focus on sustainable growth, collaboration, and trust, this session will empower doulas to build their businesses while prioritizing their own health and resilience.

This inspiring conversation will honor the legacy of DONA’s founder, Penny Simkin, and reaffirm a commitment to the values that drive doula work. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to advocate for doula services, protect their self-care, and expand their impact—regardless of external challenges. They will walk away feeling more grounded, confident, and prepared to navigate the future of birth work with strength and clarity.

In-Person and Live-Stream