welcome
SMiLe conference 2026
Standing Up for the Midwifery Community
We are delighted to welcome you to SMiLe 26, a conference dedicated to bringing our community together, strengthening our collective voice, and standing up for the future of our profession.
This year’s theme Standing Up for the Midwifery Community, celebrates the power of connection, collaboration, and the shared journey through maternity care. The conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with colleagues from across Scotland, meet the RCM team, and strengthen professional networks.
Since our last conference we have: a new government, a review of maternity services announced and inspections that, while challenging, have highlighted the respectful and compassionate care that you give every day. We have also seen across Scotland a real reduction in births in our midwifery led settings, so we want to celebrate and value all the positive impact of Midwifery and MCA care.
SMiLe 26 offers a vital space to connect, reflect, and take action. This event is about more than a programme, it’s about people. It’s about sharing experiences, building solidarity, and shaping what comes next for midwifery and maternity support workers.
This year is particularly significant as it marks the culmination of our Five-Year Plan, a document created by our community, for our community reflecting what you said in the survey in 2022. At SMiLe 26, we will take the opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved together, recognise the progress made, and have honest conversations about what still needs to be done to strengthen and sustain our community moving forward.
We are working closely with contributors and partners to build a programme that reflects what matters most to you. More details will follow soon but we encourage you to secure your place early and be part of shaping this important event from the outset.
This is your conference. Your experiences, your insights, and your energy will help define not only SMiLe 26, but what comes next for our community.
Book your place today and stand with us.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Neurodivergent Birth CIC is a Scottish-based Community Interest Company and the world’s first organisation dedicated to improving support and outcomes for neurodivergent people through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Founded in 2024 by AuDHD doula and author Victoria White, the organisation delivers CPD accredited professional training to NHS Trusts and birth organisations, online antenatal education for neurodivergent parents, and a Doula Access Fund providing free doula support to those who need it most.
With a community of over 8,000, 16,000+ podcast downloads globally, and a published book, Why Neurodivergent Birth Matters (Montag and Martin, 2025), Neurodivergent Birth CIC is building the evidence base and driving systemic change in perinatal care.
Social media
- Instagram @neurodivergentbirth
We are the voice of Wales at work
TUC Cymru (Wales TUC) is the voice of workers in Wales, representing 48 affiliated unions to advocate for fair pay, safe and valued workplaces, and social justice. As part of the national Trades Union Congress, it focuses on representing Welsh trade unionists within the Welsh Government and other organisations, developing policy on devolved matters, and coordinating the trade union approach to Welsh policy-making. The organisation also supports trade union reps with training on various issues, promotes equality and the Welsh language in the workplace.