Second expo a boon for bonnie babes

EXPECTANT parents, those who’ve recently given birth, and partners will be able to gain access to a wealth of information and services at the upcoming second Birth and Baby Expo at Strathdale Community Centre next Sunday 26 October.

The expo will feature live talks from local businesses and professionals supporting families, door prizes and goodie bags for attendees, a breastfeeding and family-friendly environment, full wheelchair and pram accessibility, and a nearby playground to keep the littlies occupied.

Co-organiser Mel Chisholm, a nurse and a postpartum doula (post-birth support practitioner), said some of the service providers that will be attending on the day will be “services you didn’t know you needed.”

“For example, we’ve got a naturopath that’s coming,” she said.

“A lot of people don’t know about their hormonal health and how their hormones can impact their wellbeing through fertility, (plus) well beyond having children as well as later into life.

“We (also have) an osteopath who’s a pelvic health practitioner.

“She can help with body work that not only prepares you for birth, especially for women that might be planning a vaginal birth, but can also help with pelvic floor laxity and trying to strengthen your pelvic floor.”

Ms Chisolm said dads will be able to find value in attending too.

“We do focus on mother’s health, but we know that dads are also a part of that journey and the health of the mother, which also trickles down through the family and to the children,” she said.

“It’s good for them to learn about lactation and what’s to be expected if the mum is wanting to breastfeed.

“So, there’s lots of different services too that men and dads can also access.”

The Matrescence Collective’s Birth and Baby Expo takes place on Sunday 26 October at the Strathdale Community Centre, accessible from Crook Street, between 10am and 2pm.

Tickets, which are $10 if you’re over 18 and free if you’re a minor, can be purchased on the Humanitix website.

While you can also buy them on the door, bookings are preferred.