Looking Back on Bloom 2019: A Celebration of Motherhood

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“I wish I had this when I had my baby.” “This was my first outing with my new baby.”

These are frequent comments that new and expecting moms make when they leave Bloom. Now in its third year, Bloom is Pittsburgh Moms Blog’s annual event to celebrate motherhood and new babies. Packed with local businesses that specialize in serving moms and babies, informative talks from women’s healthcare professionals, and giveaways, there was something for everyone who came out to kick off Mother’s Day weekend on May 11, 2019.

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Not all attendees were first-time mothers. Even veteran mothers, grandmas, and spouses had opportunities to learn something new. Like how using cloth diapers can save a literal ton in a landfill and over a thousand dollars in diapering costs. Like how a midwife offers a different birth experience, or how to recognize signs of postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression after giving birth … what pelvic floor health really looks like; what safe sleep really means; or how early intervention can help infants and their moms make breastfeeding successful.

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Thank you to our expert speakers for educating families:

Bloom relocated to the South Hills for the first time. The Spencer Family YMCA opened its doors for guests to preview the facility. Amenities like daily childcare, indoor pool and splash area, fitness classes, spinning, and meeting rooms make the Spencer Family YMCA an ideal destination for families.

Guests were treated to a variety of delicious local treats. Dunkin Donuts returned with coffee and doughnuts. They were joined by Pittsburgh Moms Blog contributor Deanna Bautti and her business, Bautti Charcuterie; local catering business Black Market; and Pittsburgh newcomer Soozy’s Grain Free. Bautti Charcuterie provided a succulent spread of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. Black Market made fresh granny smith apple salad, homemade guacamole and dip, and mini sandwiches. Soozy’s Grain Free, which makes muffins that are mostly allergen-free, debuted with a make-your-own cupcake station.

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Thank you to our food partners for making sure Bloom guests didn’t leave hungry!

There were more than 30 giveaways from national and local sponsors. A sample of what moms and moms-to-be went home with included:

  • Gift certificates to pediped, Little Spoon, nanno, Stuck On You, and Levana Bratique
  • Home delivery dinner package with three made-to-order meals, sides, and dessert from Dinner by Heather   
  • 3D ultrasound session from Love At First Sight 4D/HD Ultrasound in Murrysville
  • Nursery canvas print from Lily & Val
  • Ergobaby carrier
  • Boppy pillow
  • Kiinde pumping set
  • Birthday party package from Playground World
  • Tickets to Enchanted Experiences Daddy and Me Tea Event
  • Diaper Service from Happy Baby Company/Green Cheeks Diaper Service
  •  3-month membership to the Spencer Family YMCA
  • Crib rails from Babee Talk
  • Postpartum support package from Kangaroo Birthing & Maternity Concierge
  • Mama & Me photography session with Becca Baker Photography
  • And 15 more!
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Every ticketed attendee went home with a swag bag filled with more than $75 worth of products, coupons, and gift certificates. Highlights included a baby toy from Babee Talk, $25 gift card to nanno, 1 week pass from Fit4Mom Bethel Park, day pass from Spencer Family YMCA, water bottle from Allegheny Health Network, note cards from Lily & Val, and a set of four pins from The Little Fox Foundation, plus much more.

Many table vendors also had their own giveaways and swag. Bloom wouldn’t be what it is without the support and expert knowledge from our table sponsors. 25 businesses and organizations spent their afternoon talking to and educating attendees on things like milk bank donation, chiropractic care, physical therapy, mental health resources, financial planning, pediatric healthcare, infant and pediatric sleep, traveling, early childhood development, doula and postpartum support services, and more. Attendees also got to shop at Wild Child Consignment, The Little Bunch Boutique, Arbonne, and Pampered Chef. Costco was also there to provide information on memberships, and Pittsburgh Moms Blog had a table with prizes for a hole-in-one on our own mini putting green.

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Elements Massage returned to once again offer attendees free chair or table massages, which are always a hit. The Spencer Family YMCA offered a mini yoga class to demo poses for both prenatal and postpartum mamas. The Bump Station, always a fun time, returned with Tricia Nicholas of Viva Portraits behind the camera. Live event photography was provided by Jennae Backo Photography.

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For the first time, Bloom partnered with a local nonprofit, Angels’ Place. Angels’ Place provides child care, early childhood education, and family support programs at low or no cost to eligible single parents. Bloom guests generously donated several dozen items for Angels’ Place wish list, like healthy snacks, cereal, formula, and more. 

Even though Bloom is over, you can still win baby essentials from City Moms Blog Ultimate Baby Registry. The Ultimate Baby Registry is a collection of must-have items curated by City Moms Blog worth more than $2,000, and includes bedroom, bath, kitchen, and toy essentials for baby. For more details and to enter, click here.

Congratulations to every one of our Bloom attendees preparing to welcome a new baby, and to the new mamas who ventured out of the house with their little ones! We’re proud to be a resource for you, and look forward to celebrating motherhood and parenting with you year-round.

A special thank you to Allegheny Health Network as our title sponsor, Spencer Family YMCA as our venue sponsor, and Family Tent Rental for tables and chairs.