Hello 2026 and all you lovely ICEA members!

It is hard to believe we are already here. I have some changes coming up in my year that make me really excited. Getting back to full-time birth work in April will be a dream come true (again)! Do you have any plans?

It is great that I have already taught 18 birth doulas who are Afghan women living in the US. How wonderful that they will be able to use their language and customs to assist other Afghan women in their area in Washington state!

We are continuing to work on the details for the ICEA 2026 conference that will take place from October 16th to 18th in Salt Lake City. We already have a few proposals for speakers, but we are hoping for many more! If you would like to speak or if you know someone you’d like to hear from, please let us know. Scour this newsletter for the link to submit a proposal or send to someone else!

I want to welcome Jillian Silva, who is joining Jacqueline Abbott as Co-Director of Childbirth Education. She has a long and strong background in teaching parents and is creative and organized to keep members and trainers involved and moving forward. They will make a good team.

Have you branched out to teach anything else besides childbirth education? After asking my director for 4 years, we finally got the hospital I work at to agree to hold Newborn Care classes. We have our PowerPoint and all the materials needed to help pregnant families get a head start on how to work with the new babies they are growing right now. Our first class is on Saturday. Wish us luck! I also personally teach a postpartum class and have taught a breastfeeding class in the past. I just love teaching!

Well, on your marks, get set, GO into 2026! Let us know on our social media pages what you are up to and any questions you have!

Cheers!

Debbie Young