As we move through May, I am reminded that this season often feels like a reflection of birth work itself: growth, transition, anticipation, and new beginnings. Around the world, families, educators, doulas, nurses, lactation professionals, and childbirth advocates continue to support parents during some of the most important moments of their lives, and I am continually grateful to be part of a community so dedicated to evidence-based education and compassionate care.
May is also filled with meaningful observances connected to maternal and infant health across the world. International Day of the Midwife is celebrated globally on May 5, honoring the incredible work midwives do in improving outcomes for mothers and babies worldwide. In the United States, National Nurses Week is recognized May 6–12, celebrating the dedication and compassion nurses bring to patient care every day, including those working in labor, delivery, postpartum, and neonatal settings. Mother’s Day, celebrated in many countries throughout May, also gives us an opportunity to recognize and support the countless individuals navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and parenting journeys.
In the United States, May is also recognized as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, helping bring attention to the importance of emotional support and mental health resources during pregnancy and postpartum. These observances serve as important reminders of the ongoing work needed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes globally.
At ICEA, we remain committed to supporting birth professionals and educators across the world through education, advocacy, and connection. One of the things I look forward to most is our bi-annual conference, an opportunity for our community to come together, learn from one another, and recharge our passion for this work.
This October, we are excited to welcome everyone to the ICEA Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. We have already announced two outstanding keynote speakers, Dr. Neel Shah and Henci Goer, and we cannot wait to share more about the incredible sessions and speakers joining us this year.
You can learn more about the conference here: https://icea.org/conference/
A few important conference updates and reminders:
- The Advance Registration rate of $400 will close on May 31, 2026.
• Beginning June 1, 2026, Early Bird pricing of $450 and Group Registration pricing of $425 per person for groups of two or more will become available.
• We are planning to release the conference schedule soon and are excited for everyone to see the outstanding educational offerings planned for this year’s event.
• Applicants for the ICEA Conference Scholarship who were selected should be hearing from ICEA regarding acceptance within the next week or so.
As always, thank you for the work you do every day to support growing families and improve birth outcomes in your communities. Whether you are teaching a class, supporting a laboring family, mentoring a new professional, or advocating for respectful maternity care, your work matters deeply.
I hope this month brings you moments of rest, inspiration, and connection. I look forward to seeing many of you in Salt Lake City this October.
Warmly,
Jenna Owens
ICEA Executive Director
