CVDoulas Shine at The Lactation Network 2024 Summit

CVDoulas and staff introduce our programs and initiatives to attendees at the summit.

At The Lactation Network (TLN) 2024 Summit, Chicago Volunteer Doulas (CVD) took center stage, showcasing leadership in the birthing and lactation community. Held in Chicago from September 29th to October 1st, the summit brought together IBCLCs, LCs, and other professionals committed to advancing lactation support nationwide. The event featured impactful sessions such as "Advocacy for Allies" and "Optimizing Nutrition," designed to empower lactation experts with tools to better serve their communities.

CVDoulas Aria and Tea represented our organization with grace and professionalism, introducing attendees to CVD's mission, training programs, and the importance of the work we do in providing community-based support. TLN also recognized CVD for our ongoing contributions to the birthing community. This acknowledgment underscores the vital role that our doulas play in promoting health equity and supporting birthing families. TLN highlighted CVD's impact, specifically noting our efforts to uplift families in underserved areas.

We were thrilled to see the level of engagement from the attendees during our 'CVD Cruciverbalists Challenge '. The custom crossword puzzle, filled with lactation and doula-related clues, was a hit. Attendees eagerly participated for a chance to win a CVDoula Bag, similar to those received by our recent 100 Doulas Rising graduates. The response was overwhelming, with two lucky winners proudly walking away with the coveted bags and 20 additional participants proudly sporting CVD T-shirts!

Leadership development is at the core of CVD's work. By attending summits like this one, our doulas gain the tools and network connections necessary to take their leadership skills to the next level. We believe in career autonomy, empowering our doulas to move beyond traditional roles and become advocates, educators, and leaders in their communities. The exposure to lactation experts and the reproductive justice movement at events like TLN helps our doulas refine their skills and strengthen their ability to advocate for birthing families.

We also want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to The Lactation Network for their unwavering support. We are also deeply appreciative of the exceptional individuals we had the pleasure of meeting during the summit, including @milkbankwgl, @mama_joann_ibclc, @nursenikkinp, and @epiphanybirthservices2019. We are particularly grateful to @ahamomentmaven for her continued encouragement and for helping us shine a light on Chicago Volunteer Doulas in a room full of brilliant minds. These connections are invaluable to our mission of supporting families and expanding access to comprehensive birth and lactation services.