Infant and Maternal Mortality Conference
Respectful Maternity Care: Improving Outcomes for Mothers and Babies
Thursday, March 5, 2026 8:30 AM - 3 PM | The Parkview Mirro Center 10622 Parkview Plaza Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Join Healthier Moms and Babies for a one-day conference bringing together healthcare providers, community organizations, advocates, and leaders committed to improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
This year’s conference centers on respectful maternity care - care that honors dignity, listening, cultural humility, and collaboration across clinical and community settings. Through keynote conversations, breakout sessions, and shared learning, participants will explore actionable strategies to improve outcomes for mothers and babies across pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Featured Keynote Speaker
We are honored to welcome Charles Johnson, founder of 4Kira4Moms, as our keynote speaker.
A nationally recognized advocate for maternal health and birth justice, Charles Johnson brings a powerful perspective rooted in lived experience, advocacy, and systems-level change. His keynote will challenge participants to examine how healthcare systems, policies, and community partnerships can work together to prevent maternal deaths and ensure families are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Conference Details
Why This Conference Matters
Maternal and infant mortality continue to be significant public health concerns that benefit from coordinated, community-based approaches. This conference provides an opportunity for education, shared learning, and collaboration by highlighting evidence-informed practices, community perspectives, and cross-sector partnerships.
Participants will leave with practical tools, increased awareness, and clear next steps to support positive outcomes for mothers, babies, and families across pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Who Should Attend?
Healthcare providers, including physicians, midwives, and nurses
Home visiting professionals, community health workers, and doulas
Mental health and social service professionals
Public health agencies and nonprofit organizations
Community leaders and stakeholders engaged in maternal and infant health
What You’ll Learn
Factors contributing to maternal and infant mortality and opportunities to support prevention and improved outcomes
Recognition, prevention, and community-based approaches to preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Respectful maternity care practices and approaches to reducing disparities in care experiences
Maternal mental health, birth-related stress, and trauma-informed approaches to care
Community-wide safe sleep education and prevention strategies
Overview of workplace protections and considerations related to pregnancy and parenting
Prenatal stress and early brain development in infants
Featured Speakers:
Hear from national and local leaders in maternal and infant health, advocacy, and community care, including:
Charles Johnson, Founder, 4Kira4Moms
Brad Edwards, Director of Community Engagement & Program Strategy, Dear Fathers
Birdie Meyer, Certification & Training Director, Postpartum Support International
Senator Andrea Hunley, Indiana State Senator
Devon George and Spencer Poston, Cribs for Kids International
Ashley Rainey, IDOH Clinical Director, Women, Children, and Families Commission
Dr. Sarah Turner and Sarah Lawrence, Lutheran Health Network
Ronae Cleland, Birth Encouraged Doula Services & Healthier Moms and Babies
Carta Robison, Barrett McNagny
Dr. Rahil Briggs, ZERO TO THREE
CEUs will be provided by the University of Saint Francis
Secure your spot at the 2026 Infant & Maternal Mortality Conference. Explore opportunities to attend, sponsor, or exhibit and take part in a one-day event focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
If you have any questions or need additional information please contact Tara Held at theld@hmbindiana.org
