Friday, October 17, 2008, Conference Day 1

Eva Petoskey welcomed the attendees with a local Native American blessing.

Jennifer Block received a standing ovation at the end of her talk "Pushing for Optimal Care, Pushing for Midwives." Her closing slide stated, "Thing Big, Be Bold, Keep Pushing!"

The FAM Board presented information about their grants this year and plans for the future.

Most of the Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery Board at their table.

Nasima Pfaffl and Susan Hodges at the Citizens for Midwifery table

NACPM President Mary Lawlor, MANA President Geradine Simkins, MEAC Executive Director Jo Anne Myers-Ciecko, and NARM President Ida Darragh show off the CPM Issue brief they wrote together. Click here for more information about the issue brief.

Nine new midwives were honored at lunch.

Ricki Lake (4th from left) and Abby Epstein (3rd from left) answered questions on a panel at the State Theater during the Motherbaby International Film Festival.

Jill Schroer (new MANA Fundraising chair), Tina Williams, and Kelley Daniel (MANA Treasurer) prepare to sell MANA fundraising items at the Gala Closing event.

All the authors at MANA 2008 were at the Gala to sign their books (also conveniently for sale at the Gala!)

Ricki Lake visited and posed with MANA members including Kelley Daniel.

Ricki and Abby pose here with MANA 2nd VP Christy Tashjian.

FAM Board members Priya Morganstern and BJ Mackinnon also posted with Ricki and Abby.

Here's Ricki and Abby with the FAM Board!