On Saturday, May 11th, we are proudly hosting our third annual event for new and expecting moms: Bloom. To those who are familiar with the event, Bloom stands out as the region’s foremost expo for resources for new moms. We partner with more than two dozen regional businesses and organizations to bring Pittsburgh-area moms the knowledge and guidance we all wish we had when we had our first (or third) baby.
Click here to view a Video Recap of Bloom 2018 from Tom Kurlander on Vimeo.
This year, the Spencer Family YMCA in Bethel Park stands ready to welcome new and expecting moms for what is sure to be another wonderful afternoon of learning, bonding, and fun. If you’re still on the fence about attending, or you know a mom of little ones who could use an afternoon out of the house, pass this along!
Here are 10 reasons why you should attend Bloom (or why you should go to support your partner, friend, sister, or daughter)! In no particular order …
- Medical Pros! The medical advice and knowledge about prenatal and postpartum health. Thanks to our partners at Allegheny Health Network, Bloom attendees will get to meet, talk to, and learn from medical professionals specializing in obstetrics, midwifery, women’s behavioral health, and pediatrics.
- Shopping! Retailers like Wild Child Consignment, The Little Bunch Boutique, Arbonne, Pampered Chef, and others are excited to show you their latest collections. You can go home with baby clothes, toys, and a little something for you, too!
- Giveaways! Dozens of national and local retailers (click here for a partial list) want to make sure you can win something cool and exciting, and useful! We’ve got everything from custom-made décor for the baby’s room, to postpartum care, baby carriers, fitness for you and your family, photography session, 3D/4D ultrasound scan, and much, much more.
- Swag! The swag bag on its own is valued at more than $75. And tickets only cost $20. Sample swag bag items include coupons, baby products, snacks for you, hand-made local products, free passes, and more.
- Speakers! We have expert speakers who are excited to share their experiences and knowledge with you. Topics include midwifery, perinatal and postpartum behavioral health, SIDS awareness and safe sleep practices, early childhood development, cloth diapering, and pelvic floor physical therapy. Is it normal to pee when you sneeze? Is it common to experience anxiety before and after birth? What is the typical range of physical milestones, and how can you help your baby prepare for them? These and many, many other questions can be answered. Nothing is off limits!
- Yoga! The Spencer Family YMCA is providing a free mini-yoga class to anyone who wants to participate. Mark your timer for 12:30 that day and meet in the Community Exercise Room upstairs.
- Massages! Elements Massage of Wexford will be back, offering free chair massages to all attendees. It’s a must. Pregnant and postpartum women cannot have too many massages!
- Food! Did someone say doughnuts? Muffins and cupcakes? Delicious appetizers? Custom meats, cheeses, chocolates, and fruits? Mark us down for all of the above. Yes, you read correctly … there will be a make-your-own cupcake table provided by newcomer Soozy’s Grain-Free (allergen-free muffins and cupcakes); charcuterie and chocolates from one of our own, Bautti Charcuterie; and professional catered food from the owners of Black Market Catering, fellow parents and Pittsburghers, and makers of homemade jerky (you can buy some for your boyfriend or husband at Bloom).
- Resources! Have you seen the ever-growing list of vendors? Almost everything you would want to see in an expo for new moms, you will see at Bloom. In addition to our fantastic medical professionals from Allegheny Health Network, you’ll get to meet professionals to help you transition to life with baby physically and emotionally. There will be service providers who specialize in working with kiddos, like photographers and early childhood development. Family activities and programs. Retailers (including Costco!).
- Community! Bloom is known as an inclusive, mom-centered event. Past attendees remarked how they wish they had something like this when they had kids, how much they enjoyed talking to the vendors, and how much they learned from the speakers. Every mom can come as she is; no need for false pretenses or judgments. You just won’t find that here. Bloom is about community, support, and lifting each other up. Because parenting is hard enough as it is!
Speaking of lifting each other up, every Bloom attendee can make an impact on her local community simply by attending. This year, we are so happy to have Angels’ Place be our nonprofit beneficiary. Angels’ Place offers high-quality early childhood education to qualifying single parents. Their family-centered child care services and early childhood education programs are available at no cost or at significantly reduced rates to qualifying parents. Everyone who brings an item for Angels’ Place wish list will receive extra raffle tickets good toward any giveaway.
So, the only thing we want to know is … will we see you next Saturday?? Tickets should be purchased in advance. Click here to view our full list of speakers, vendors, giveaways, and swag. And email us anytime with Bloom questions at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you on May 11th! And Happy Mother’s Day to all our wonderful moms.
PS: Use the code PMB_Bloom to receive a 50% discount off regular ticket price!
