One week from today, we'll be listening to speaker presentations at the virtual Infant Massage USA Conference! Meet two of our speakers in this video. Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ApcbqWynGs9_mlmA02sS11tZD-o1QaLmCC0w0xEdAIB3cN7UvYpn~Aod7kEtfMu_wc7H06Fk732OYRLVXeDwuhgdSXLt9FpVivfPZ27GoXuD_lg?lmt=1748342159000 Krista Lumpkins's mission as a doula reflects her compassion, strength, and resilience. Her personal experiences with motherhood and postpartum depression shaped her into a powerful advocate and healer. Her healing journey gave her the understanding of the emotional complexities that come with motherhood. By becoming a full-spectrum doula, Krista’s support extends across the perinatal journey—from pregnancy to labor, delivery, and postpartum. Krista is shaping the next generation of doulas in Northeast Ohio! She’s not just training birth workers; she’s molding compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who advocate for better care in marginalized communities, ensuring that birthing people of all races have access to respectful and culturally competent care. Tammie Sheila Jones is a compassionate leader dedicated to promoting wellness and healing. With over 27 years of experience, she serves as the Senior Director of Programs and Behavioral Health at Birthing Beautiful Communities. A Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist and Mental Health First Aid provider, Tammie specializes in fostering resilience and addressing mental health challenges. Tammie has received accolades, including the Award of Excellence and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recognition for her leadership in the “Take Charge, Take the Test” campaign. She is a trusted advisor and collaborator with state and local health boards and a sought-after speaker. Get excited about their presentation: This session will examine the dual nature of birth work for Black women, recognizing its potential to be both therapeutic and triggering. We will discuss innovative solutions, such as grief recovery method support groups, designed to help doulas navigate these challenges. Additionally, the session will highlight BBC’s holistic approach to staff well-being, including mental health days, bereavement leave, flexible paid time off, team-building retreats, and access to a network of Black therapists for individual support. The session will conclude with an activity highlighting the grief process to recovery and healing. (fb)

Our Executive Director, Ashley Febvay invites you to join us for our virtual conference ONE WEEK from today! We're so excited to kick off this event and gain deeper insight into the powerful role nurturing touch plays into building parent-child bonds. Register at: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ApcbqWynGs9_mlmA02sS11tZD-o1QaLmCC0w0xEdAIB3cN7UvYpn~Aod7kEtfMu_wc7H06Fk732OYRLVXeDwuhgdSXLt9FpVivfPZ27GoXuD_lg?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae-_mW4xTl_edgLU8BgZdlFcoaOWQdaKEXgD6prQc8QwFIeRD4-SZzs7S-qdw_aem_octodZtfxpgWx79wpPU4OA And P.S. if you're a renewing Member of Infant Massage USA, you can get a free ticket! Email membership@infantmassageusa.org to see if you qualify and get instructions on accessing your free ticket. ✨ We can't wait to learn with you! 💜 (fb)