What We Carried Home

Committee Highlights from the 2026 Doula Conference

There's something that happens when you put a room full of doulas together for a weekend. All that powerful feminine energy is something to behold. The learning is plentiful, the speakers are inspiring, but somewhere between the sessions and breakout conversations, something extra special takes place. You remember why you do this work.

That's the thread running through what our committee brought home from this year's conference. Here, in their own words, are the highlights and takeaways from some of the doulas who were there.

The science of becoming a mother

One of the standout sessions came from Dr Oscar Serrallach, whose presentation on matrescence, which is the neurological and psychological transformation a woman undergoes during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, left us genuinely moved. "Learning more about how pregnancy and birth impact a woman's brain," reflected Sandra, "was one of my biggest takeaways." Alongside that, a talk on disability awareness and the impact of IVF on pregnancy, birth and beyond added new layers to our learning.

For Caroline, it was Hazel Keedle's session that spoke most to her heart. As someone who experienced a VBAC herself and now works with a high volume of VBAC mums, the content was, in her words, "deeply pertinent." But what made it truly special was the access beyond the stage. "None of the speakers rushed away after their sessions," she noted. "They were generous with their time, social and approachable, it was an extremely collaborative environment."

Kelly's session highlight came from Katie Rose, whose message was a beautiful reminder to strip things back: "What women need is companionship, nurture, and permission to do what is pleasurable." It’s easy to get carried away with the amount of information available, but really, simple is best.

The privilege of the doula role

Woven through the weekend was a growing sense of what it means to hold the space we hold. Grace left with a reminder of the unique position doulas occupy: "We are in a very unique position to advocate for women in a way that no-one else really can." That feeling was amplified by seeing Dr Bisits speak, "I was just so uplifted by his passion, his belief in women, and his deep respect for the birth space," she said.

Coming home to community

If there was one theme that echoed across every conversation that took place with our feet in the sand, and every meal shared, it was this: we need each other.

Sam, with nine years of doula experience, said: "Even as a doula for nine years, there are definitely actionable learnings from this weekend that I will include in my practice going forward." But her real highlight? The people. "Doula work can feel isolating, and this weekend was so restorative. I left feeling reinvigorated and connected back to my purpose."

Caroline echoed it: "After a weekend of learning, socialising and networking, I'm walking away with new ideas and inspiration." And for Kelly, the lesson was one worth holding onto long after the conference ends: "Community is an essential part of birth work. It strengthens our skills, increases our knowledge, provides support, and fuels our desire to keep showing up for our clients."

That desire to keep showing up, for our clients, for each other, and for this work is exactly what a weekend like this refills.

Missed the conference, or want to revisit your favourite sessions? You can purchase the talks here.