It Takes a Village: Maternal Health & Fatherhood Summit

About this event

About the Event

It takes a village to raise a child. But it also takes a village to support the people raising one.

Having a baby changes everything. From pregnancy and postpartum recovery to relationships, emotional well-being, and the responsibilities of fatherhood, becoming a parent can bring unexpected challenges.

Too often, these conversations happen only after families begin struggling.

We're changing that.

First Ladies Health Initiative is bringing mothers, fathers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and young adults together for an honest, engaging conversation about the realities of parenthood.

Whether you're already a parent, expecting a child, considering starting a family, or simply want to better understand the experiences of mothers and fathers, this conversation is for you.

What We'll Talk About

Motherhood Beyond the Delivery Room

The physical, emotional, and mental health changes that can happen during pregnancy and postpartum, including recovery, identity, and the importance of recognizing when additional support is needed.

Fatherhood: The Conversation We Don't Have Enough

The expectations placed on fathers, paternal mental health, emotional presence, and what it means to support a partner while navigating your own transition into parenthood.

Love, Relationships & Parenthood

How relationships change when a baby arrives, why communication can become difficult, and how partners can better understand and support one another.

The Village: Building Stronger Families

The role of friends, family, healthcare providers, and community support in helping parents and children thrive.

Featured Conversations

The Family Panel: Motherhood & Fatherhood

A conversation exploring what happens to relationships during pregnancy and after a baby arrives, including communication, emotional well-being, partnership, and the support parents need.

Beyond the Delivery Room: The Fatherhood Conversation

An honest discussion about fatherhood, paternal mental health, emotional presence, supporting mothers through pregnancy and postpartum, and raising children with compassion and intention.

Speakers and special guests will be announced as confirmations are finalized.

Who Should Attend?

• Undergraduate and graduate students

• Young adults and couples

• Expecting and new parents

• Mothers, fathers, and partners

• Medical, nursing, public health, and mental health students

• Healthcare professionals and community leaders

• Anyone interested in healthier relationships and stronger families

You don't have to be a parent to be part of the conversation.

Why This Conversation Matters

We spend so much time preparing for the arrival of a baby. But how often do we prepare for the changes that come with becoming parents?

Healthy families need more than love. They need communication, education, access to care, emotional support, and people they can turn to when things get difficult.

This summit creates space to talk about the experiences we don't always see, ask questions we don't always know how to ask, and learn how to support one another.