15 years ago, when I first started in this work, I went to a conference from another organization about childbirth education.

There was such a vast knowledge base there that was so far beyond what I knew as a newbie. I was enthralled all weekend. I thought, as time went on, that the high I would have from each conference would leave me because my own wealth of knowledge had grown. Now, after 15 years in this business and many conferences and workshops from many organizations, I left this past weekend thinking to myself, and sharing with everyone who knows me, how proud I am to be a part of this group of amazing women and men who support childbirth, women, families, and especially me.

Finding an organization that fits your own mission statement and how you want to change the world for women and their families is not always easy.

But every time I come to a CAPPA conference, I leave with a feeling of a place of belonging.

Given my strong introverted nature, I am most often quiet and stay to myself. While at conference, you can’t help but to emotionally feel like you are a part of something so large and so wonderful that all you really have to do is be present. Mindful. Feel the energy in the room. Understand the meaning of true team work and stay focused on what you want.

Not only do I always hear speakers that inspire me, make me think, help me learn what is best practice and help me know how to help my clients, but I also learn how to help and understand myself in a challenging profession.

Not only do I get to be empowered myself, but I also watch what goes on around me and I stand so tall every time, being so proud, to be a part of such greatness.

I cannot imagine being a part of another organization like this one. The energy, the love, the direction and team work that we all do to make the world a better place, while changing birth where it needs to be changed, is extremely fulfilling.

For any of you that could not make it this year, I strongly encourage to come next year. Even if you are feeling a bit lost, you may find you may get back in contact with parts of you you forgot you had. We all belong here. And for a brief moment, in a harsh society of birth, we all have a place we call home with our fellow birth professional sisters.