Bloom :: An Event for New and Expecting Moms Event Recap

Our first event for new and expecting moms in Wichita was a wild success! We had over 100 mamas in attendance at Bloom – as well as a few tiny babies and a handful of grandmas, dads, and friends who joined us at Eastminster Presbyterian Church to celebrate motherhood. Our WMB team is still gushing over the picture-perfect morning we had connecting with moms as they prepare to expand their families and village.

WMB

Thank you to our local Co-Title Sponsor, Via Christi.

They provided a wealth of resources and enthusiasm to accompany moms at each stage of their journey. We are always thankful for their commitment to the health of Wichita-area families.

Via ChristiThe Venue

We loved hosting our event at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Their facility is beautiful, and they went above and beyond to roll out the welcome mat for everyone attending.

eastminsterTable Sponsors

The room was buzzing all morning! It was energizing to watch moms connect with the businesses and products we love! Dr. Smith’s served as the Premier National Sponsor. We were thrilled to feature their extensive line of products to soothe those precious baby bottoms in the ICT.

Bloom-122

Attendees received expert guidance on baby carriers and so much more from Sweet Cheeks, had their posture evaluated by Viner Chiropractic, studied the art of baby food making from Buy Buy Baby, learned valuable car seat safety tips and all about the New Life Center at Via Christi. But that’s not all! They test drove baby gear from Babies”R”Us, munched on goodies from our Cravings Station sponsor Junior League of Wichita, and showed off their radiant pregnancy glow with pictures at Sally Cavanaugh Photography‘s table.

table collage

Dr. Scharenberg shared information on curing colic and the benefits of chiropractic services, the Quiet Window showcased their innovative nursery windows, and the Wichita Doula offered insight and support for pre- and postpartum doula services. Those crazy nesting urges were squashed by Clean 4 You by Jolene, while Wichita Swim Club offered water safety education for even the youngest of babies, and Eastminster presented on their programs for both mom and baby, including their Kids Day Out.

tables 2Eats + Drinks + Treats

The food and drink spread at Bloom was spectacular and delicious! Attendees enjoyed fresh, colorful fruit kabobs from Natural Grocers, melt-in-your mouth scrumptious bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes, savory scones and power bars made from scratch from Great Harvest Bread Company, and the infamous Costco muffins.

FoodMoms received samples of cold-pressed juices from Songbird Juice Co. and fresh brewed artisan tea from Cozy Leaf– both local favorites made in Wichita. Moms could grab a cup of coffee and conversation from Heartland Family Connection.

breakfastSwag and Giveaways

The swag bags were a tremendous hit with our moms! These seriously awesome and useful canvas bags from City Moms Blog Network were stuffed full with swag from Babies”R”Us, Buy Buy Baby, Avery & Grey, Young Living Essential Oils, Bamboobiees, Boogie Wipes, Pretzel Crisps, Fresh Wave, Salon Brands, Dr. Smith’s, In The Bag Cleaners, Mabel’s Labels, BabyList, and PreggiePops.

Swag

Over 30 mamas left Bloom with prizes from our giveaway table! Thank you to our giveaway sponsors: Bungalow 26, The Print Collective, Little Brown Cabin, Sweet Blessings Birth Services, FIT Co., Breastfeeding Center of Wichita, Watermark Books & Café, Everyday Beaut, Sally Cavanaugh – Independent Trunk Keeper with Matilda Jane Clothing, Nothing Bundt Cake, Avery & Grey, Natural Grocers, Junior League of Wichita, Sedgwick County Zoo, Sunshine Family Yoga, Music Together of Wichita, Progressions Salon & Day Spa, Mabel’s Labels, Monkey Mat, Balboa Baby, Cuter Than Words, Think Baby, The Quiet WindowBuy Buy Baby, Via Christi, and Dr. Smith’s.

giveaways

Moms also had a chance to enter the City Moms Blog Network Ultimate Baby Registry giveaway.

cmbn
The Experts

We heard from an extraordinary panel of experts answering a spectrum of pressing questions from the crowd. We were fortunate to have a Laborist, a Certified Nurse Midwife, a Doula, a Lactation Consultant, a Labor & Delivery Nurse and an Attorney on our panel.

Bloom-116
#WMB Gives Back

We filled THREE vehicles with the diaper and wipes donated by attendees and sponsors. WMB partnered with Junior League of Wichita, and encouraged all attendees to bring diapers or wipes to distribute to R.E.A.L. Support for Families in Wichita. Thank you to everyone who participated in this initiative!

Photography + Décor

Sally Cavanaugh Photography truly has a gift for photographing the beauty of motherhood. We were so grateful to have had her share her talents as the Event Photographer and perfectly capturing the overwhelming joy and excitement felt at Bloom.

Many thanks to Love of Character for doing what we cannot – transforming a room into a beautiful, alluring setting. Thanks for taking our vision and making it fun and full of character!

decorTo all the moms:

Thank you for including Wichita Moms Blog in your village. We love watching this city bloom!

moms

Bloom-140

moms2

For all the pictures, check out our Facebook Album!

All images in this post by: Sally Cavanaugh Photography

Tomi Dechant
Tomi is a mover, shaker, and baby maker - which means she enjoys a good dance party in the kitchen and is a mom to two monsters of her own creation. Tomi is from Kansas and is currently a Political Science instructor and author of the children's book, How to Make a Monster Smile.