Attn: Educators, doulas, midwives, lactation experts, doctors and other health professionals...
Join us on a powerful mission to bring the science of the infant microbiome to maternity care to improve health outcomes.
➡️ What?
A 2-day LIVE virtual conference on the science of the infant microbiome
➡️ When?
Sat 24th Feb 2024
Sun 25th Feb 2024
9am-5pm US Pacific Time
➡️ Where?
Virtual.
No travel needed.
Participate from anywhere!
The Microbiome: Pregnancy, Birth & Breastfeeding
Global Virtual Conference - Feb 24-25 2024
Learn from world-leading experts about how YOU can support parents during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding to benefit the long-term health of children.
➡️ 20+ Speakers
By world-leading scientists, clinicians and maternity "thought-leaders"
➡️ 1,000+ Participants
LIVE CHAT and connect with 1,000+ pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding professionals from around the world
➡️ 2 Days Of Fun!
Enter an immersive interactive 3-d world - includes scavenger hunt, photo booth and a leaderboard to win prizes!
The Microbiome:
Pregnancy, Birth & Breastfeeding
Global Virtual Conference - Feb 24-25 2024
WHAT IS IT?
A 2 day international virtual conference for maternity health professionals.
WHEN IS IT?
February 24-25 2024
9-5pm (US Pacific Time)
WHO IS IN IT?
Featuring 20+ world-leading scientists, academics, midwives, doctors, breastfeeding experts and maternity leaders.
WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
How and why the science of the infant microbiome can be applied to maternity care, to improve health outcomes. MOST IMPORTANTLY, how you can play a part!
WHO IS IT FOR?
Childbirth educators, doulas, midwives, nurses, doctors, lactation experts and other maternity professionals.
WHERE IS IT HAPPENING?
Virtual. No travel needed.
WHO IS RUNNING IT?
This event is independently funded, and hosted, by the filmmakers behind MICROBIRTH.
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS?
We are looking to partner with ethical educational and commercial sponsors.
We can offer exciting opportunities to promote your brand, service or product
CONTACT US for our sponsor pack. Click HERE to contact us.
About The Event
Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford, the makers of the award-winning documentary MICROBIRTH, along with top microbiome scientists and members of the global birth community, will be coming together for our SECOND LIVE international conference.
THE MICROBIRTH PLAN virtual conference will be held on 24 + 25 February 2024
➡️ Cost?
Shocker...
For first 1,000 people, it's FREE to attend the conference live.
PREMIUM TICKETS are also available (which include replays, CPD/CE , transcripts, audio recordings & access to roundtables)
➡️ Can't attend live?
We don't want you to miss out on the learning. You can purchase a PREMIUM TICKET with on-demand replays, CPD/CE credits, transcripts, audio recordings + more!
➡️ Hosts?
This conference is being independently funded by Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford, the filmmakers behind MICROBIRTH. We have no affiliations with any other organisations.
Two ticket types are available:
FREE and PREMIUM
FREE
General Admission Ticket Includes
Live access only on 24+25 Feb 2024
PREMIUM (USD $97)
Premium Ticket Includes
Live access on 24 + 25 Feb 2024
+ ONE YEAR access to on-demand replays
+ 12 Hours CPD/CE
+ Access to roundtables (small group discussions)
+ Transcripts
+ Audio recordings
Who are the speakers?
Anastasia Theodosiou
MD and Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Doctor, clinical researcher, University of Edinburgh
Title of Presentation:
Microbiotoxicity: risks of harm to the early life microbiome, and what we can do about it
Rodney Dietert
Emeritus Professor, Immunotoxicology,
Cornell University
Title of Presentation:
The Early-Life Microbiome and Chronic Diseases
Suchitra Hourigan
MD and Investigator, Chief, Clinical Microbiome Unit (CMU), National Institutes of Health
Title of Presentation:
Can maternal-child microbial seeding interventions improve the health of infants delivered by Cesarean section?
Nils Bergman, MD
Neuroscientist and Public Health Physician
Title of Presentation:
Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care: The Evidence
Jill Bergman
Kangaroo Mother Care
Title of Presentation:
Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care: The Practice
Miqdad Dhariwala
Dermatology Researcher, Ohio State University
Title of Presentation:
The Skin Microbiome
Debby Bogaert
MD, Professor and Chair of Paediatric Medicine, University of Edinburgh
Title of Presentation:
Mother-to-infant microbe seeding; more than meets the eye
Michael Heffernan
Dentist and Clinical Lecturer, Dentistry
Title of Presentation:
How does the maternal oral microbiome protect and influence their infant?
Philip Steer
Emeritus Professor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Imperial College London
Title of Presentation:
Can we replicate the benefits of vaginal birth for the baby at caesarean section?
Jennifer Smilowitz
Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension in Nutrition and Health Equity in the Department of Nutrition at University of California Davis
Title of Presentation:
Human Milk 101: The composition of human milk vs infant formula
Amber Price
President & CEO, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
Title of Presentation:
On-stage interview about respectful maternity care
Michelle Irving
Lecturer in Midwifery, Bournemouth University
Title of Presentation:
The first 24 hours after birth: an opportunity to support and promote the infant microbiome.
Melanie Wattles
RN, CIMI, CPMT, Owner Babystrokes Infant Child Massage Instruction
Title of Presentation:
Infant Massage And the Infant Microbiome
Katri Korpela
Researcher,
University of Helsinki
Title of Presentation:
Probiotics, Breastfeeding and Infant Microbiota Transplants For Babies Born By C-section
Martin Donaghy
Senior Midwifery Lecturer, Anglia Ruskin University
Title of Presentation:
Responsive Breastfeeding: Why It Matters To Healthy Development
Liz McGregor
Nutritional Therapist, Naturopath and Wellbeing Coach
Title of Presentation:
TBC: Nutrition And The Microbiome
Dee Bell
IBCLC, Registered Midwife, Founder, Infant Feeding Academy
Title of Presentation:
Tongue Tie And Other Problems
Maranda Bower
Owner and Founder of Postpartum University
Title of Presentation:
The Truth About Postpartum Nutrition
Who are the conference hosts?
Toni Harman
Filmmaker, Host, The Microbirth Plan 2024
Title of Presentation:
Navigating The Microbirth Universe
Alex Wakeford
Filmmaker, Host, The Microbirth Plan 2024 Conference
Title of Presentation:
The Microbirth Plan: Not Just A Plan For The First 1,000 Days
Why are we doing this?
Our Story
We are Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford, filmmakers and parents. In our daughter's birth by emergency C-section, we felt uninformed, unsupported and disempowered. We don't want other parents to feel this way.
In 2014, we launched the film MICROBIRTH with over 1,000 public screenings in 50 countries.
The film went down a storm with the birth community - but it didn't lead to the changes in maternity care that we were hoping for - so we decided it's time to make a bigger splash. It starts with this conference, but we have other BIG things planned for 2024!
The Microbirth Plan:
We want to make 2024 the year of the infant microbiome!
We want to make the information in this conference available to as many people as possible - that's why we are offering the first 1,000 tickets FREE!
The FREE ticket gives you LIVE access to the event.
NOTE: If you want access to the replays and 12 Hours CPD/CE, PLUS access to the roundtables, you can choose the premium option for $97
The Aim Of This Conference
We invite everyone from across all professions, and from across all pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding organisations.
In this conference, we will explore why/how to bring the science of the microbiome to parents to empower full informed choice.
Only together, we can make a difference.
We sincerely hope you decide to join us.
Toni and Alex
Across the birth and breastfeeding world.... Let's get connected.
Let's all be part of an ambitious plan.
You can help bring the science of the microbiome to maternity care - to improve the long-term health of babies.
Join us and be part of a powerful global movement !
What does the conference look and feel like?
Watch this quick video (from our 2023 conference) - which shows you the immersive 3-D platform we will be using in 2024!
On 24th February, once you log into the special conference platform...
You'll be entering an amazing 3-D virtual world.
Step through the doors, and you'll have a choice of 3 rooms to enter - the Exhibit Hall (to visit the virtual exhibitor booths), the Auditorium (to watch the LIVE keynote presentations) and the Lounge (for networking)
The conference exterior
The virtual auditorium
The virtual lobby
What did people think of the last virtual conference in 2023?
Stephanie - Birth doula and author
Ann Bruce - IBCLC
Korin White - Birth doula and childbirth educator
MICROBIOME: PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND BREASTFEEDING
2 Day Global Virtual Conference
February 24th and 25th 2024
This is for YOU if you want to:
➡️ Experience an immersive learning world - you will step into a 3-d space where you can explore rooms and interact with the 1,000+ other professionals attending!
➡️ Learn from 20+ international speakers and maternity leaders on the science that supports the physiology of pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding, based on the latest evidence-based research.
➡️ First 1,000 tickets are free to watch the presentations live (but to access the recordings, you have to choose a PREMIUM option)
➡️ Choose a PREMIUM OPTION for 12 hours CPD / Continuing Education credits accepted by ICEA, Lamaze International, CAPPA, DONA International, ACM, NMC and more!
TICKET REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
THE MICROBIRTH PLAN
The Microbiome: Pregnancy, Birth & Breastfeeding
Format: 2 Day Virtual Conference 2024
Sat 24th Feb - Sun 25th Feb 2024
9:00am – 5:00pm Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
Start time in different parts of the world HERE
Key Features
➡️ Keynote presentations from top microbiome scientists and maternity thought-leaders
➡️ Breakout rooms for small-group discussions (PREMIUM OPTION ONLY)
➡️ UNIQUE LIVE networking opportunity - over 1,000 participants to meet from all over the world!
➡️ Exhibitor Hall with amazing interactive virtual booths
➡️ Scavenger hunt, leaderboard and photo booths to make this a really fun immersive experience
PREMIUM ACCESS ONLY
➡️ ON-DEMAND Access to all speaker recordings for ONE YEAR (PREMIUM ACCESS
➡️ 12 HOURS CPD/CE
➡️ Downloadable audio recordings of all presentations
➡️ Downloadable transcripts
➡️ VIP Access to LIVE roundtable discussions
Who is it for?
Childbirth educators, doulas, midwives, breastfeeding experts, students, doctors and other CHANGE MINDED health professionals.
What's the aim?
To upskill your knowledge so you can support parents with respectful maternity care that is mindful of the maternal and infant microbiome - to benefit the long-term health of their child.
What CE/CPD credits? (PREMIUM OPTION ONLY)
Earn 12 HOURS CE / CPD APPROVED (pending) - to be accepted by ICEA, CAPPA, DONA International, Lamaze International, MEAC, ACM, NMC and more (PREMIUM OPTION ONLY)
Choose ONE of the following ticket options...
PREMIUM TICKET (USD $97)
Includes:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Who is hosting this conference?
A. This conference is hosted by Alto Films Ltd, the content creation company owned by Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford. Toni and Alex are the filmmakers behind the award-winning documentary MICROBIRTH. Toni and Alex, and their company Alto Films Ltd, are completely independent. We have no affiliations with, and receive no income from, any other organisation or company.
Q. What CE/CPD credits can I get by attending?
A. The organisers have applied for 12 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Education credits for midwives, childbirth educators and doulas.
Contact Hours and CPD credits will be available to be claimed for ONE YEAR from 31st May 2023.
MEAC – 12 Midwifery CEUs (Pending Approval)
ACM – 12 CPD Endorsed Hours (Pending Approval)
NMC - Accepted as 12 CPD Hours by NMC (Pending Approval)
ICEA – 12 Contact Hours (Pending Approval)
Lamaze International – 12 Contact Hours (Pending Approval)
DONA International - 12 Contact Hours (Pending Approval)
CAPPA – 12 Contact Hours (Pending Approval)
Q. When/how can I claim the CPD/CE credits?
Contact Hours and CPD credits will be available to be claimed for ONE YEAR from 1st March 2024 (one week after the conference)
To claim your CPD/CE credits, you will need to:
- Watch all presentations - either live during the conference or the recordings which will be available on the Teachable site: https://microbirth.teachable.com
- You have to complete the post-session graded test for each session presentation (available on the Teachable site: https://microbirth.teachable.com
- You need to score over 70% in each presentation graded multiple choice test to prove an understanding of the topic discussed.
- All student records may be requested by accrediting organisations to show you have watched all sessions, and completed all the post-session graded tests.
-
You need to download the certificate - which will be available from 1st March 2024.
Q. How can I log on on the days of the LIVE conference?
A. Your login details will be emailed to you ahead of the event. You can use these details to access the online event. However, you cannot share your login details with anyone else. Only one login per email address is allowed.
Q. The timings don't work for me. Can I watch ON-DEMAND?
A. The on-demand recordings will be available immediately after the conference on the event platform (for PREMIUM TICKET HOLDERS ONLY).
7 days after the conference ends, all the recordings will be available for 12 months to all PREMIUM TICKET HOLDERS with within our MICROBIOME COURSES School on Teachable.
However, it’s best to attend live so you can fully participate in all the roundtable discussions, connect live with fellow attendees and enjoy the full immersive interactive experience, but you can watch all the recordings on demand whenever it’s convenient for you during this period of time.
Q. Where will this conference be held?
A. This is an online event. You do not have to travel to any specific location. You can participate anywhere that you have Internet access. The event is accessible from desktop, mobile and tablet devices. And please spread the word. We are counting on you to invite others! Help us spread the word. You can simply share the link to this page, and they can register at their convenience.
Q. What are the dates and times of the live conference?
Sat 24th February 2024 9:00am - 5:00pm Pacific Daylight Time PDT
Sun 25th February 2024 9:00am - 5:30pm Pacific Daylight Time PDT
Q. What time is this in other parts of the world?
Check start time in other parts of the world by CLICKING HERE
Q. What time does it start in other parts of the world?
London, United Kingdom: Sat Feb 24, 17:00 / 5:00 pm
Berlin, Germany: Sat Feb 24
18:00 / 6:00 pm
New York City, New York, USA: Sat Feb 24, 12:00 / 12:00 pm
Los Angeles, California, USA: Sat Feb 24, 09:00 / 9:00 am
Melbourne, Australia: Sun Feb 25, 02:00 / 2:00 am
Q. How soon will the recorded speaker sessions be available on-demand?
A. The on-demand recordings will be available for PREMIUM TICKET HOLDERS during and immediately after the conference on the event platform. 7 days after the conference ends, all the recordings will be available for 12 months to all conference attendees within our MICROBIOME COURSES School on Teachable.
Q. Can I sponsor this event?
Absolutely! We are looking for individuals and organisations connected to the birth world who are looking to sponsor this event. We offer tiered pricing to suit all budgets.
Prices start from USD $250 for the SWAG BAG (digital product, a digital sample or flyer) to be distributed to all attendees.
Platinum and Gold level sponsors have a virtual booth in the Exhibit Hall plus branding opportunities - prices start from USD $1000.
For our sponsor pack, please contact: Toni Harman, Producer/ Director, MICROBIRTH contact us here
https://microbirth.com/contact-us/
Q. How much does it cost to attend?
First 1,000 people = FREE to attend live (Super Early Bird)
Premium option = $97 (Super Early Bird
Q. Do attendees get a swag bag of digital downloads?
A. Yes! If you sign up to the conference, you will be able to download a swag bag of digital goodies including downloadable PDFs.
Q. Do I need to install any special software?
NO. You do not need to download or install any software to participate in our conference. You only need to have access to the Internet.
Q. What if I have another question?
A. For any other questions or nquiries, contact: Toni Harman, Producer/ Director, MICROBIRTH contact us here
https://microbirth.com/contact-us/
This conference could accelerate change in global maternity care:
By doulas, childbirth educators and midwives bringing the science of the microbiome to PARENTS early in pregnancy...
➡️ Educating parents with this knowledge helps fuel a desire for maternity healthcare that supports the infant microbiome
➡️ If we can create a wave of parent demand, this could set the conditions to ACCELERATE CHANGE in global maternity systems
➡️ A "tipping point" for change could be reached quickly and organically, in a non-confrontational way
➡️ The happy by-product is that, together, we could transform the health of the next generation!
If you join this conference, you can be part of bringing this change!
Ticket Registration Is Open:
Grab your FREE ticket now to attend LIVE - limited time available!
Only for the first 1,000 people who sign up.
Paid options (Premium and VIP) offer options for access to recordings and 12 Hours CPD/CE.
Conference Agenda
(Subject to change)
Sat 29th April - Day One - Morning
Starts at 9am Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
Times are for Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
Click HERE to find out what time this is in other parts of the world.
Sat 29th April - Day One - Afternoon
Times are for Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
Click HERE to find out what time the Day One Afternoon Session starts in other parts of the world.
Sun 30th April - Day Two - Morning Session
Times are for Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
Click HERE to find out what time the Day Two Morning Session starts in other parts of the world.
Sun 30th April - Day Two - Afternoon Session
Times are for Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
Click HERE to find out what time the Day Two Afternoon Session starts in other parts of the world.
TICKET REGISTRATION
HAS NOW ENDED
Ticket Prices
Subsidised Ticket Price
Ticket registration ONLY USD $85 + tax
If purchased before 26th April (23.59 PT)
Buy a ticket now and save USD $155 (compared to regular price USD $240
SUBSIDISED TICKET PRICE
(Tickets must be purchased before 26th April before 23.59 PT)
= USD $85 + tax
REGULAR PRICE
= USD $240 + tax
STUDENTS AND LOW/NO INCOME
= USD $60 + tax
GROUP OF 10 (Tickets for groups of up to 10 people)
= USD $750 + tax
ALL TICKET SALES END Wed 26th April 2023 at MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME
Conference Sponsors
Our Conference offers lots of innovative ways to connect with attendees.
CLICK HERE to view the conference sponsor packages available.
If your organisation would like to sponsor this event, get in touch!
CONTACT US.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Swag Bag Sponsors
Ticket registration has now ended.
Join the waitlist for access to recordings.
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