Childbirth education groups in the US started in the 30’s but gained popularity in the 1940s and 50s. As these groups expanded, the need for educators to connect, collaborate, and support one another became clear. In 1955, nine different educational organizations sent representatives to meet and address common issues among birthing families. The gathering was a huge success! They recognized that sharing their knowledge and passion with like-minded professionals inspired creative solutions, benefitting families in each organization. So in 1960, they created the first Convention for Childbirth Education. It was at this conference that the group officially unified and adopted the name International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
ICEA has held many conferences in the 65 years since that first one. I’ve been lucky enough to join a few of them, both in-person and virtually. The passion and purpose-driven work of the many professionals who attend, both as speakers and as attendees, is inspirational as well as informative. Being in a space with that energy is contagious and leaves me feeling like together we can do anything, because we can. I left that first conference not only with new knowledge, but with a deeper sense of purpose—and lifelong connections that continue to shape my work today.
ICEA conferences continue the tradition of being a place where seeds are planted for new ideas and inspiration can be transformed into concrete plans to better serve all families. It’s a privilege to serve those who birth, and it’s our responsibility to continue to grow and evolve in our work so that we never lose sight of the changing world around our clients.
It is with ICEA’s history and mission in mind that I share with you how honored I am to be your new Conference Director for ICEA. As I step into this role, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead—not just for me, but for all of us who are part of this passionate, global community.
I hope you decide to join us for our next conference, 16 – 18 October 2026, in Salt Lake City, so you too can plant seeds, meet inspirational birth professionals, and share the passion that drives your work. More details are coming soon – I look forward to seeing you there!
Melissa R. Steiner, BS ICCE, LEC, trauma-informed educator
ICEA Conference Director
