ABOUT THE RETREAT
Our annual Doula Retreat brings doulas from across the state together for a day of learning, reflection, and community building. Whether you’re a new or experienced doula, this event is designed to help you learn, connect, and feel refreshed in your practice.
January 31st, 2026
ELI Thrive,
Birmingham, AL
Open to all birth workers in AL!
2026 RETREAT SCHEDULE
(Tentative and subject to change)
8:30 am - 9:15 am
Check-in, coffee and light breakfast snacks
9:15 am - 9:30 am
Icebreaker
Facilitator: TBD
9:30 am -10:30 am
Fit for Birth: Movement Session
Facilitator: E'Licia Herndon
10:30am - 10:45am
Break
10:45 am - 11:45 pm
Inductions & Interventions: Medical Staff Perspectives
Panelists: Dr. Gershon, OBGYN & Mary Grace Gunnells, CNM
11:45 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch and Doula Meeting
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Doula Deep Dive: A Panel with Experienced Doulas
Panelists: Leah Hayes, Rachel Bailey, Jamilah Lawson
1:45 pm – 2:00 pm
Break
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
How Occupational Therapy (OT) Empowers Newborns and Families: Feeding, Development, and Hands-On Support!
Facilitator: Jana Newton
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Break
3:00 pm – 4:00pm
Doula Nutrition at Births: Birth Bag Bites
Facilitator: LaVitta Simms
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Closing & Networking
REGISTER
COST: $50
Cost includes: Breakfast & lunch, all activities
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Active BWP doulas get 50% off!
This is classified as doulas who have had a client in the last 6 months, or have one due within the next 6 months
There are two steps to register for the retreat.
Step 1: Fill out the registration form.
Step 2: Complete your payment.
If cost is a barrier, just complete Step 1 and let us know in the form. We keep registration and payment as separate steps for this reason.
Step 1: Register
Step 2: Make Payment
Deadline to submit payment is January 21st.