Baby in Bloom was a huge success! So many expecting couples and groups of expecting friends spent the day learning, celebrating, connecting, and being empowered. Watching everyone empower themselves with knowledge and confidence was nothing short of magical.

As the owner and founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth & Baby University, my mission is to empower families to have a more positive birth and postpartum experience. My hope for the conference was that I could create an event with all of my amazing community partners and that families would have a chance to learn from them and to meet their community of support. The day went so beyond just this.

The day was nothing short of magical! From families hanging to every word and being captivated by each of the incredible speakers and vendors, to families feeling celebrated with beautiful bouquets, great gift bags, photoshoots, massages, photobooth opportunities, a Seraphine Maternity fashion show and a full day visit from Barb and the pumpspotting bus, the day was nothing short of special! Every person was bursting at the seams with excitement and they were all feeling cherished.

Families showed up at 9am and they were well taken care of until 5pm. Breakfast and lunch was served as well as snacks throughout the day. There were drink and snack stations set up as well as delicious cupcakes and cookies. There was a huge variety of healthy and delicious gourmet food and absolutely something for everyone. All families were so relieved to show up empty handed and leave feeling valued, celebrated, and prepared. 

I brag about my team daily and truly believe that we are the best. We care so deeply! We are kind, professional, and grateful to live in this space of supporting families. It truly shows in all we do.

I could say the same for all of my long-term partners. They are the best! The speakers and vendors that were a part of our event were hand-picked and all have been a partner of Chicago Family Doulas for 5-10 years. They are always my number one referral for our families. Owning an important business that supports families during this important and vulnerable time is an honor and is not taken lightly. I will only build connections with perinatal professionals that understand this honor. I was so happy to introduce them all at Baby in Bloom!

Although the planning has not started yet, we know there will be a next year. Our first annual Baby in Bloom Birth & Baby Conference was a HUGE success. Stay tuned for next year’s details.

This post is written by Anna Rodney, owner and founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth & Baby University. She is a leader in the perinatal field and a trusted resource for expecting families and perinatal professionals.