Birthing, Bonding & Breastfeeding Conference 2026

May 15

| $100.00 – $5,000.00

The Birthing Bonding and Breastfeeding Conference will be held Friday, May 15 at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, CA. Our guests include perinatal professionals like Midwives, Doulas, Doctors, Nurses, Lactation Consultants and Counselors, etc.. This conference provides fresh and evidenced based information for those in attendance, but the real fun is in the networking and relationship building that happens around each session! We have a vendor hall area where our guests can meet with our sponsors and vendors, interact with their products and ask questions. We also offer a raffle with the most amazing fun prizes!
Our theme this year is “Confidence in Breastfeeding!” and our featured speakers include:
– Jen McLellan of PlusSizeBirth
– Bryanna Schwarting of The Mouth Rehab
– Karyn Sprinkle PMHNP-BC, PMH-C, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in perinatal mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma-informed care.
– Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC, Founder of Lactation University
The conference is hosted by Lactation University, Desert Care Network, and About Families. About Families is a non-profit located in the Coachella Valley that serves families from pregnancy through early childhood years with drop in lactation and support groups, classes including childbirth, infant feeding, newborn care and parenting, and even trains and refers birth and postpartum doulas. Proceeds from the conference support the About Families missions.

Registration Prices:

General Admission: $125

Students/Breastfeeding Volunteer Support: $100

Lactation University Members, Alumni and Active Students, please check your emails for discount codes.

Will this conference offer CERPS?
The conference is approved for 3 L-CERP, 1.25 E-CERP, and 1.25 R-CERP.
Nursing CE credit will be handled by Desert Regional.
Is there a recommended hotel near by?
There are many hotels and house rentals in the area. Here are 3 we enjoy: 1. Hotel Zoso – https://www.hotelzosopalmsprings.com/ 2. Riviera Resort and & Spa, an IHG property: https://rivierapalmsprings.com/ 3. Hyatt Palm Springs: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-palm-springs/palms
What are the food options?
Breakfast and Lunch are included with the conference. There are also many eateries in the surrounding areas.
What is the refund policy?
Refunds will be honored at 75% before April 15, and 50% after April 16, 2026.
Stay connected on social media! Follow About Families and Lactation University for the best updates.

To register to attend scroll down to purchase your ticket!

 

We invite you to become a sponsor and/or exhibitor for this impactful event:

● Gold Sponsor – $5,000 (Exclusive, only one spot available)
○ Sponsor for signage: Includes all Silver benefits, plus logo will appear on all directional maps and event signage/posters displayed at the conference. Company information and your contribution will appear on the registration website.
● Silver Sponsor – $2,500
​     ○ Sponsor for printing: Includes all Bronze benefits, plus logo will appear on the agenda recognizing your investment in printed material.

● Bronze Level – $1,000
​     ○ Logo on event materials, social media recognition, exhibitor space and 2 FREE Registrations for the Conference.

● NEW Small Business Vendor/Exhibitor (Small Business/New Business/Non-profit) – $150

 ○ Vendors must adhere to the WHO Code and provide their own 6-foot table, covering and chairs. Vendors receive 1 FREE Registration. All sponsors are asked to contribute an item for attendee gift bags (200 total) or raffle item(s) valued at $150. Your support directly helps expand education and access to lactation and perinatal care.

Vendor Opportunity, Larger Corporation – $250 (Limited availability)
​     ○ Vendors must adhere to the WHO Code and provide their own 6-foot table, covering and chairs. Vendors receive 1 FREE Registration. All sponsors are asked to contribute an item for attendee gift bags (200 total) or raffle item(s) valued at $150. Your support directly helps expand education and access to lactation and perinatal care.

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© Copyright 2025 | About Families Inc. | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization | EIN: 27-5411622 | All Rights Reserved | Developed by Pointed Services.

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Debbie Midcalf

MAED

Debbie is a Positive Discipline Classroom Educator and Certified Parent Coach. She has worked in the field of early childhood education for thirty years and is currently employed as an adjunct instructor at College of the Desert and Brandman University. She coaches parents and educators on the principles of Positive Discipline strategies so that they can find joy and calm in the midst of chaos. Debbie believes that every child should be afforded the opportunity to a joyful early learning environment in which they feel secure, loved, and valued.

Ellen (Faith) Chinnock

BS Zoology, Certified Life Coach and Positive Discipline Parent Educator

Ellen (Faith) Chinnock, Center for Nonviolent Communication Certified Trainer, Certified Life Coach, Somatic Consensus Trainer, and Positive Discipline Parent Educator

Elizabeth Dreyer

Elizabeth is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a deep commitment to supporting families through the transitions of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Holding both an AA and BA in Psychology, Elizabeth brings a solid foundation of understanding human behavior and emotional well-being to her work. She is PMH-C and CLE-Trained, with a growing expertise as a student of Lactation University. Since 2019, she has served as a doula, specializing in postpartum care, and has been a group facilitator for About Families since 2020, where she creates a supportive environment for families to connect and grow. In addition to her direct client work, Elizabeth serves as the administrative assistant for About Families, where she helps ensure smooth operations and effective communication. Her unique blend of education, training, and hands-on experience allows her to provide holistic, client-centered care, helping families navigate the joys and challenges of early parenthood with confidence and compassion.

Emily Downing

Emily is a Coachella Valley native with a strong background in both health and family support. Holding a BS in Microbiology and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH), she combines her scientific expertise with her passion for supporting families through childbirth and early parenting. Emily is a trained birth doula and CLE, and currently continues her studies at Lactation University. As an educator for About Families, she works to empower and educate families on birth, breastfeeding and infant care. A dedicated wife and mother of two, she’s committed to supporting families in her community with knowledge, empathy, and experience.

Jude Johnson

Jude supervises the administrative business operations of CV Strategies. He oversees client billing, supervises accounting practices, and serves as a liaison with external stakeholders. Jude manages and monitors internal performance with precision to keep CV Strategies a smoothly running and dependable firm.

Christy Jo Hendricks

IBCLC, Consultant, Educator, and Author

Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC, is an international speaker, published author, public health educator, childbirth educator, birth doula and inventor.

Matthew Gonda

CPA, CGMA

CPA, CGMA, CEO at Gonda+Co. He has worked with the About Families since its inception and has a passion for the Organization’s mission to educate families at critical points through early childhood. His professional work is focused on small and medium sized businesses and non-profit organizations, especially by providing assistance with transitions in growth phases, managing complex tax issues, and supplying outsourced CFO services. He is married to his high school sweetheart and is a father to three.

Krysten Gonda

Krysten Gonda grew up in Michigan before moving to Southern California with her husband in 2007. After a brief stint in Nashville, TN they both decided that the Coachella Valley was home. She teaches high school in the Eastern Coachella Valley, and is Riverside County Teacher of the Year for 2021. Krysten discovered her love and passion for supporting families after the birth of her first child. She has three children whom she adores. She loves exploring the world and participating in new experiences with her family.

Joanna Boles Whitlow

Doula, Lactation Educator

Joanna became a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in 2012 and is a professional birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator. Joanna is also the local coordinator for Postpartum Support International. Joanna has been a doula trainer since 2012 and is currently training birth doulas to become certified About Families Birth Doulas using the Purely Yours Doula Curriculum . Most importantly, Joanna is a dedicated mother to 4 guys who she is over the moon in love with!

About Families Inc.
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