Dear ICEA Community,
Wow, where did 2024 go? It was a year brimming with fun, work, and wonder—a reflection of the vibrant and dynamic world we share as birth professionals.
A Year of Fun
Personally, 2024 brought cherished moments with my family. I had the privilege of being at my grandbaby’s birth and then staying on as a “postpartum/mumsy” for my daughter after. Those early weeks were filled with joy, connection, and the simple beauty of new life. Throughout the year, I spent treasured time with family, and the crowning moment was having everyone home for Christmas. Nothing compares to the magic of a full house during the holidays!
A Year of Work
Professionally, the year was equally fulfilling. In my day job, I transitioned to focus on the needs of independent educators which brought fresh perspectives and opportunities. Highlights included assisting with a virtual conference for InJoy Health Education and contributing to ICEA’s incredibly successful Circle of Care Conference in San Antonio last fall. I continued to teach childbirth education privately and at a local hospital, to serve as a doula for a few postpartum families, and even supported a couple of birth families. Teaching a postpartum doula workshop here in Colorado and virtually in Kyrgyzstan reminded me of the local and global reach and impact of our work.
A Year of Wonder
Every new baby and each family’s journey into parenthood left me awestruck. Watching families grow and thrive is a profound privilege. I’m continually inspired by the dedication and compassion of our ICEA board and members. Your tireless efforts—whether teaching classes, supporting families, training future professionals, or serving on the board—make the world a better place, one family at a time. Thank you for all you do.
Reflecting and Looking Ahead
I hope many of you attended our Member’s Meeting in December. We celebrated ICEA’s accomplishments, got to hear about all our board members, bid a fond farewell to Miriam McKinney, Chevonne Davis, Emily Mason, and Seema Doshi, and warmly welcomed Ana Jovanovic as Director of Marketing. With three open board positions (Director of Conferences, Director of Postpartum Doula Education, and International Director), we encourage you to consider stepping up or spreading the word. These roles offer unique
opportunities to shape the future of ICEA. If board service isn’t your path right now, committees are another great way to contribute. Thank you to those who have already expressed interest—your enthusiasm keeps ICEA thriving. And watch for more information in the next month on what these open board roles require and let us know if you are qualified.
A Doula Moment to Remember
Recently, I chose to act in a moment of caregiving, reminding myself why we do this work. At an informal study group, I saw a young mother juggling a bottle for her baby while trying to eat her quesadilla. Her needs were invisible to other 20-something-aged friends at her table, perhaps because they lacked the experience to recognize them. My doula heart couldn’t let her needs go unnoticed. I quietly offered to hold and feed the baby, allowing her to enjoy her meal. Initially hesitant, she then gratefully accepted, and I fed, burped, and snuggled her baby. She told me later that allowed her to have her first full meal of the day.
This moment wasn’t heroic—it was instinctual, driven by a passion for supporting families. Many of you would have done the same. It’s this shared passion that defines us. We notice, we act, and we help—always with respect and compassion. Each time we teach a class, work with a family during a birth at 2 a.m., or support someone through the challenges of new parenthood, we make the world better.
As we step into 2025, I encourage you to continue wearing your passion proudly. Together, let’s make our corners of the world brighter, one family at a time.
With gratitude and excitement for the year ahead,
Debbie Young
President, ICEA
