Doulas from across the region are invited to attend the 2026 Doula Symposium: A Labor of Love on September 17-18, 2026, at Central State University - Dayton, 840 Germantown Street. This free two-day event will focus on strengthening maternal and infant health outcomes through education, collaboration, and community engagement.
The symposium will provide attendees with opportunities to learn from community experts, share resources, build professional networks, and explore strategies to improve birth outcomes and family support services. Sessions will include discussions on maternal and infant health, birth equity, community-based support systems, and the evolving role of doulas in healthcare.
Designed for doulas, the symposium will feature keynote presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Participants will gain valuable insights into current maternal and child health challenges and innovative approaches to support families throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
“Doulas play a vital role in supporting healthy pregnancies, positive birth experiences, and stronger outcomes for families,” said Jess Fecke, Community Health Advocate. “The 2026 Doula Symposium provides an opportunity for doulas to come together, share knowledge, and strengthen the network of support available to mothers, infants, and families throughout our community.”
A special component of the symposium will focus on supporting doulas who are interested in learning more about the process of becoming Medicaid-contracted providers, helping expand access to doula services for families throughout Ohio.
“Improving maternal and infant health requires strong partnerships and a commitment to meeting families where they are,” said Jennifer Wentzel, Health Commissioner, Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County. “We are excited to provide a space for learning, collaboration, and meaningful conversations that can help create lasting improvements in maternal and child health.””
The event will take place from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both days and will feature presentations from community experts and partners, including Dr. Meredith Shockley-Smith, Roots To Rise, and CommuniTea.
Registration is now open. Individuals interested in attending can register online.
About Doulas
A doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support to a person before, during, and after childbirth and empower birthing people to advocate for themselves. Doulas do not replace doctors, nurses, or midwives. Instead, they work alongside the healthcare team to help families navigate pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period.
Sponsor Acknowledgment
The organizers of the 2026 Doula Symposium: A Labor of Love, gratefully acknowledge the support of our sponsors and partners whose commitment to maternal and child health helps make this event possible. Their investment in education, collaboration, and community engagement strengthens efforts to improve outcomes for birthing individuals, infants, and families throughout our region.
Sponsors include:
CareSource, Molina, Humana, United Health Care, Roots to Rise, Fitz Center for Leadership in Community/The Doula Initiative; University of Dayton, Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County’s WIC, Maternal and Child Health, and EGEMs, Queens Village Dayton, Spectrum New Beginnings.
