By Emma Owen
For nearly 20 years, Babypalooza has offered resources to moms, expectant mothers and their loved ones.
It’s returning to Birmingham this weekend and more than 60 exhibitors will participate, addressing a wide range of subjects, according to Cecilia Pearson, the founder and CEO of Babypalooza.
The free expo was created to provide moms, especially first-time moms, with important information and resources.
“I saw that this was one place in Birmingham where we didn’t have resources,” Pearson said. “We didn’t have a way for parents to really talk about real issues that they were facing, so whether it is infertility or even loss, we wanted parents to have a space where they could connect to resources and connect to each other.”
This year, attendees can expect expert-led seminars on subjects like breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
There will also be a Black Maternal Health Expo happening in conjunction with Babypalooza.
Pearson said this portion of the event is crucial, given the racial disparities in maternal health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues than white women.
“We have found that when we are able to connect them to Black doulas and midwives and OBGYNs is that they have a sense of confidence, and they’re able to just feel more equipped about the journey when they have people that look like them,” Pearson said. “And so we bring those resources into Babypalooza through the Black Maternal Health Expo and so it’s been very well received.”
The expo is free to attend, but you’re encouraged to register online in advance. Click here for the registration link.
https://www.wvtm13.com/article/babypalooza-birmingham-bjcc/61875419