The SMC Doula Conference unites doulas of color, birth workers, midwives and interested persons of all ethnicities and cultures, fostering cross-cultural competencies, sharing best practices for improving perinatal outcomes, and providing guidance on building successful doula businesses.
Restoring the Village to Improve Birth Outcomes is the theme of our Second Annual SMC Doula Conference. The concept of a “birthing village” refers to the support network of family, friends, and professionals that surround and assist a pregnant woman throughout her pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journey. Doulas are an integral part of that village.
Join us for this unique gathering that specifically addresses the needs of doulas of color, who are underrepresented in the doula profession both in Oregon and across the nation while having the opportunities to network, learn how to grow your doula business, gain knowledge, and celebrate the accomplishments of doulas of color!
Some conference highlights: Annual Awards Luncheon. Meet the awardees, Violet Michelle Larry, RN, Outstanding Doula Leadership Award, Portland, OR; Black Parent Initiative (BPI), Outstanding Doula Community Service Award, Portland, OR; and Basmah Karriem, Outstanding Doula Advocate Award, Richmond, VA. And attend the Meet and Greet Saturday Dance Party, with our local DJ.
Plenary and Workshop Overview: Grant Writing Workshops for Birth Workers, Postpartum Nutrition, Smoking Cessation During the Perinatal Period, Theater of the Oppressed, After Shock-Maternal Mortality Prevention, Breastfeeding 101, Massage for Doulas, and a” Head Wrapping, Belly Binding and Baby Wearing Pop-up, led by Shafia Monroe!
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Dr. Andrea Little Mason
Andrea Little Mason, Ed.D., affectionately known as “Dr. Doula”, is an educator, researcher, advocate, Relationship Strategist, Legacy Builder and one who Considers the Heavens and uses her expertise to promote resourcefulness in Black families, especially during the childbearing years. Learn more about Dr. Doula here!
Ananda Lowe
Boston Doula Circle and Author
Ananda Lowe is co-author of The Doula Guide to Birth: Secrets Every Pregnant Woman Should Know, published by Penguin Random House. She has been a doula and Maternal Child Health professional since 1995. Andrea has played an active role in launching the modern doula movement. Learn more about Ananda here!
Dr. Tanya Khemet Taiwo
Dr. Khemet Taiwo is a professor, epidemiologist and midwife. Coming from a family tradition of midwives, going back at least three generations, she is committed to revitalizing the tradition of midwifery within the African American community and eradicating disparities in perinatal outcomes. Learn more about Dr. Khemet Taiwo here.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
PLATINUM
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FRIENDS
JOIN US IN PORTLAND
Join us for the Second Annual SMC Doula Conference: Restoring the Village to Improve Birth Outcomes on September 8 – 10, 2023, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Portland, Oregon.