Expectant mothers are invited to a free baby and bump event, with a TV presenter appearing as the keynote speaker.
The Baby and Bump Fair, delivered by us, is aiming to give mothers and partners the opportunity to find out valuable information on preparing for pregnancy, birth, their child’s development and breastfeeding support.
The fair will take place at The Academy of Woodlands in Woodlands Road, Gillingham, on Saturday, 6 August, from 9.30am to 4pm.
Keynote speakers include TV presenter and journalist Kate Quilton, as well as Sweaty Mama Medway, representatives from NCT and others. They will each talk about a variety of baby and mother health matters, including breastfeeding, hypnobirthing, baby massage and fitness sessions.
The event coincides with the fifth anniversary of our Beside You service. Beside You was created to further normalise breastfeeding in Medway and show mothers and mums-to-be that the people of Medway are beside them and support breastfeeding in public and community spaces.
The event is also being hosted during World Breastfeeding Week, from Monday, 1 August to Sunday, 7 August, to help normalise breastfeeding and support women on their breastfeeding journey.
National breastfeeding rates are lower than normal, so we are inviting residents along to our first Baby and Bump Fair to see if breastfeeding would be the right fit for them, with workshop rooms and professional advice available. Early years professionals will also be in attendance, so they can further learn what is available in Medway, contribute towards discussions and meet with residents. The fair will also feature quizzes, hypnobirthing taster sessions and fitness sessions including baby yoga and pelvic health.
Peer support, safe sleeping, nursing and more available
Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder in charge of Public Health, Cllr David Brake, said: “This event will be a great opportunity for mothers, including those expecting, to learn about the support available to them in Medway. We are determined to normalise breastfeeding in Medway and put mums at ease by educating them further with this event and with the information that we have available with our public health services, such as Beside You. I would encourage those interested to find out more as there will be a whole host of information available at the event including peer support, safe sleeping and nursing.”
The Baby and Bump Fair supports our aspiration to become a child-friendly city – providing more opportunities for our children and young people.