Attn: Health professionals, doctors, midwives, RNs, lactation experts, educators and doulas...
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!
ANNOUNCING 1,000 FREE TICKETS!
WHY ARE 1,000 FREE TICKETS AVAILABLE?
This virtual event is being independently financed by MICROBIRTH filmmakers TONI HARMAN and ALEX WAKEFORD.
We are offering 1,000 FREE TICKETS for maternity health professionals to attend LIVE (first come, first served) as we believe there is an urgent need for the birth world to come together: to learn, to connect and to align with the science. We hope you decide to join us!
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.
➡️ 25 World
Class Speakers
Featuring world-leading scientists, academics, obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians, hospital leaders, educators and other maternity "thought-leaders" and experts.
The conference is hosted by the filmmakers behind MICROBIRTH: Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford.
➡️ Up to 10,000 Participants
We're offering 1,000 free tickets, but we're hoping for as many as 10,000 people attending!
This event offers LIVE CHAT and networking opportunities to connect with birth and breastfeeding professionals from around the world.
➡️ 48 Hours Of Interactive Wow!
It's super-fun too! Enter an immersive interactive 3-D world - includes access to visually immersive "rooms" - the exterior, the main lobby, auditorium, exhibit hall, networking lounge.
Plus you can participate in a 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)
WHAT TIME IS THAT?
Click this link to find out the time it starts in your part of the world: https://bit.ly/Time24Feb
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.
Click HERE to go to our sponsor page.
Click HERE to contact us.
Summary Of The Event
A virtual international conference about the infant microbiome hosted by Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford, the makers of the award-winning documentary MICROBIRTH.
Featuring top microbiome scientists, academics and maternity leaders - and attended by 1,000+ health professionals.
THE MICROBIRTH PLAN virtual conference will be held on 24 + 25 February 2024
Main questions?
➡️ Cost?
It's paramount that everybody knows about the infant microbiome - NOW! That's why we are offering 1,000 free tickets to attend the conference live. Yes FREE! We want to remove the barriers for people to know about the infant microbiome!
PREMIUM TICKETS are available (if you want access to on-demand recordings, CPD credits, transcripts etc)
➡️ 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 organisation (apart from carefully chosen and ethical sponsors who partner with us for this conference). We are funding this virtual conference ourselves as we are so passionate about spreading awareness of the microbiome.
What are the two ticket types?
2024 Conference Ticket Information
Two ticket types are available: FREE and PREMIUM.
FREE
General Admission
1,000 Free Tickets Available
(Once they are gone, they are gone!)
General Admission Ticket Includes
Live accs only on 24+25 Feb 2024
With a free ticket, you can:
✅ Watch all LIVE presentations by the 24 speakers
✅ You can experience the amazing 3D platform
✅ You can participate in the Scavenger Hunt
✅ You can have fun in the virtual Photo Booth
✅You can participate in the Leaderboard (and you could win prizes)
✅You have access to the Exhibit Hall and Networking Lounge
❌ BUT No access to recordings
❌BUT NO CPD/CE
❌BUT NO downloadable transcripts & no Audio Recording
❌BUT NO Access to roundtables (small group discussinos with the experts - LIVE)
PREMIUM
USD $97 - Super Early Bird
(Super Early Bird ends 30th November 2023)
Premium Ticket Includes
Live access on 24 + 25 Feb 2024
PLUS
VIP ACCESS to LIVE Roundtable Discussions (on 24 + 25 Feb 2024)
ONE YEAR Access to On-Demand Recordings *
12 Hours CPD/CE (Pending)
Downloadable Transcripts Of All Presentations *
Downloadable Audio Recordings *
With a premium ticket, you can:
✅ Watch all LIVE presentations by the 24 speakers
✅ You can experience the amazing 3D platform
✅ You can participate in the Scavenger Hunt
✅ You can have fun in the virtual Photo Booth
✅You can participate in the Leaderboard (and you could win prizes)
✅You have access to the Exhibit Hall and Networking Lounge
✅ ONE YEAR ACCESS to all recordings of presentations (available from 14th March 2024)
✅ 12 HOURS CPD/CE (pending) - once approved, accepted by ACM, NMC, MEAC, ICEA, DONA International, LAMAZE International and CAPPA
✅Downloadable Transcripts & Audio Recordings of all presentations
✅VIP Access to roundtables (small group discussions with the experts - LIVE)
Concession Tickets are available for full-time students, unemployed or people from low-income countries. Proof of status may be requested.
Click > HERE < to purchase a Concession ticket for USD $37
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:
Role Of The Infant Microbiome In Health, Longevity, And Conscious Living
Amber Price
President & CEO,
Sentara Williamsburg
Regional Medical Center
Title of Presentation:
A Roadmap For Integrating The Microbiome Into Respectful Maternity Care
Nils Bergman
Neuroscientist and Public Health Physician
Title of Presentation:
Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care: The Evidence
Jill Bergman
Educator,
Kangaroo Mother Care
Title of Presentation:
Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care: The Practice
Brittany Howell
Assistant Professor,
Virginia Tech
Title of Presentation:
How Milk Shapes The Brain
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
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 C-Section?
Lindsay Hall
Chair of Microbiome Research, Institute of Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham
Title of Presentation:
Populating Preterms With Probiotics
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 Born by C-Section?
Katri Korpela
Researcher,
University of Helsinki
Title of Presentation:
Infant Gut Microbiota Restoration - Why, When, and How
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
Martina Donaghy
Senior Midwifery Lecturer,
Anglia Ruskin University
Title of Presentation:
Responsive Breastfeeding: Why It Matters To Healthy Development
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:
How Infant Massage Can Help Support The Infant Microbiome
Liz McGregor
Nutritional Therapist, Naturopath and Wellbeing Coach
Title of Presentation:
Maternal Nutrition And The Microbiome
Dee Bell
IBCLC, Registered Midwife, Founder, Infant Feeding Academy
Title of Presentation:
Insights From The Field: Transformative Strategies In Lactation Support
Maranda Bower
Owner and Founder of Postpartum University
Title of Presentation:
The Truth About Postpartum Nutrition
Mark Webber
Professor and Research Leader/Principal Investigator, Norwich Medical School
Title of Presentation:
How Do Antiseptics Impact The Skin Microbiome?
Iliana Rosa Serghiou
Microbiology Researcher
Title of Presentation:
The Evolutionary Trail Of The Infant Skin Microbiome
Miqdad Dhariwala
Dermatology Researcher,
Ohio State University
Title of Presentation:
The Skin Microbiome: Commensal Tuning Of Immune Function In Neonatal Barrier Tissues
Michael Heffernan
Dentist and Clinical Lecturer,
Dentistry
Title of Presentation:
How Does The Maternal Oral Microbiome Protect And Influence Their Infant?
Graham Phillips
A Pharmacist (Who Gave Up Drugs!)
Title of Presentation:
Pharmacy And The Microbiome
Leila Baker
Doula and Team Leader, Doula UK,
Title of Presentation:
How Traditional Cultural Practices Influence The Microbiome
Who are the 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
What tickets are available?
Why are we hosting this conference?
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, but it didn't lead to the changes we were hoping for, so we decided it's time to make a bigger splash.
It started in April 2023 with our first conference, and now we are following up with this second conference.
We believe the infant microbiome needs to be integrated into maternity care. We are passionate about helping the global community of health professionals to align with the science, to benefit the health of the next generation. This second conference sets the scene for other BIG things we have 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 for FREE!
A FREE ticket gives you LIVE access to the event.
NOTE: If you want access to the replays, 12 Hours CPD/CE, transcripts, audio recordings PLUS access to the roundtables, you can purchase a PREMIUM TICKET for $97
Our Mission
We invite everyone from across all maternity health 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.
This is THE MICROBIRTH PLAN. By coming together as a global community, as one voice calling for change, 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.
Join us to bring the science of the microbiome to maternity care.
This knowledge can help improve the long-term health of our children.
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 2024, 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 April 2023?
Want To Sponsor This Conference?
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.
THE MICROBIOME: PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND BREASTFEEDING
2 Day Global Virtual Conference
February 24th and 25th 2024
This is for YOU if you want to:
➡️ Learn from 25 world-class international speakers and maternity leaders on the science that supports the physiology of pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding, based on the latest evidence-based research.
➡️ Experience an immersive 3-D learning world - where you can explore rooms and interact with other professionals attending from around the world - attend LIVE for free!
➡️ Choose the PREMIUM OPTION for ONE YEAR On-Demand Access To All Recordings
➡️ Choose the PREMIUM OPTION to earn 12 hours CPD / CE Continuing Education credits (pending) to be accepted by ACM, MEAC, NMC, ICEA, Lamaze International, CAPPA, DONA International, ACM, NMC and more!
➡️ Choose the PREMIUM OPTION for Transcripts, and MP3 Audio Recordings from all presentations (available from 1st March 2024)
➡️ Choose the PREMIUM OPTION for VIP access to the roundtables - these are small group moderated exclusive discussions with the scientists and experts after their presentation. This is your chance to ask them questions directly!
TICKET REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Choose ONE of the following ticket options...
OR CHOOSE A PREMIUM TICKET
PREMIUM
USD $97 - Super Early Bird
(Super Early Bird ends 30th November 2023)
Premium Ticket Includes
Live access on 24 + 25 Feb 2024
+ Access to roundtables (small group discussions - LIVE on 24 + 25 Feb)
+ ONE YEAR access to on-demand replays
+ 12 Hours CPD/CE
+ Downloadable Transcripts
+ Downloadable Audio recordings
NOTE: Access to conference recordings, CPD/CE credits, transcripts and audio recordings will be available after the conference ends - on 14th March 2024.
Concession Tickets (which gives PREMIUM access) are also available for full-time students, unemployed or those living in low-income countries. Proof of status may be requested.
Click > HERE < to purchase a Concession ticket for USD $37
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 from 14th March 2024.
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 14th March 2024 (approx two weeks after the live conference ends)
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 14th 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 approximately two weeks after the conference on the event platform (for PREMIUM TICKET holders only).
From 14th March, 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 Noon / 12:00 pm
Los Angeles, California, USA: Sat Feb 24, 09:00 / 9:00 am
Melbourne, Australia: Sun Feb 25, 04:00 / 4:00 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 from 14th March 2024. 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 other branding opportunities.
For our sponsor pack, click HERE.
To find our sponsor prices, 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) - Click HERE to register
Premium Tickets = $97 (Super Early Bird) - CLICK HERE to purchase
Concession Tickets (for full-time-students, unemployed or for those from low-income countries option = $37 (Super Early Bird) - CLICK HERE to purchase
Super Early Bird prices are available for a limited time only. Ends 30th November 2023.
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/
