Bloom is an annual City Moms Blog Network event for new and expecting moms, hosted by local area Moms Blogs throughout the country. Bloom events feature local businesses who cater to moms, guest speakers, and lots of swag. I bought my ticket because I wanted the chance to get out of the house by myself for a few hours–truly, I would have gone just for the snacks and some quiet time. My toddler has kept me busy throughout this pregnancy and, with my due date quickly approaching, I have been craving some time to reflect on becoming a mother again.
I am so glad I went.
The rooms at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool (this year’s Atlanta location) were filled with all kinds of moms. Expecting moms, new moms with their little ones in tow, new and expecting moms with their moms alongside, moms with one, two, three, and five kids. There was no sense of seniority, no judgment or pressure, just the energetic buzz of a group of women happy to be mothers.
By the end of the afternoon, I felt re-energized. I chatted with vendors and listened to speakers during two panel discussions. I didn’t win one of the awesome giveaways, but still went home with 3 books, an insulated grocery bag, pacifiers, a kitchen gadget (that my toddler has already claimed), snacks (which my husband found as soon as I got home), and discounts from several of the vendors. Not to mention the delicious DaVinci’s donuts and Nothing Bundt Cakes that I didn’t have to share with anyone.
Now for the intangibles:
Here are my 5 favorite things I heard at this year’s Bloom in Atlanta:
1. Parent with Confidence…
…(even if you’re faking). This one came from the Moms on Call founder Laura Hunter. Your baby doesn’t know you haven’t done this before, or that there are any other sleep training methods out there, or that you are desperately hoping she doesn’t notice the carrots you snuck into the macaroni and cheese. Nervous about leaving your anxious little one with a sitter? He doesn’t need to know that either. Just say, “I’m so excited you get to spend the afternoon with Grandma. You’re going to do great. I’ll see you soon!”
2. Fill your Cup…
The women who spoke during the session devoted to Mom health with Dr. Darria Long Gillespie spoke about the demands of motherhood and the need for self-care in whatever form makes sense to you. Their advice–find something that revitalizes you and make room for it. Tiffany Staten of the London Grant Co. (one of this year’s Bloom vendors) created her line of skin products from a desire to take care of her own skin and bond with her baby. I’ll be trying out Fit4Mom’s Stroller Strides this fall when my toddler starts preschool since exercise is something I didn’t make room for when he was little.
3. Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues are only 2 mental health struggles that pregnant and postpartum women face…
… One mom, for example, opened up about her Postpartum Anxiety, which I had never heard about before. Anjili Hinman from the Atlanta Birth Center emphasized any thought, fear, or worry–no matter how irrational it sounds to say out loud–is something another woman has thought, feared, or worried about, too. Rather than discredit yourself or hide your feelings and worries, bring them up to your healthcare provider. Seek support.
4. Know your capacity and adjust to it…
This means taking things off of your plate when it’s full. Rev. Lindsay Geist of Seeds of Hope Counseling gave the advice that each of us has only a certain amount of time and energy in a given day. So, when something new–like parenting–becomes a part of your life, other things will have to shift to make room. And that’s ok.
5. You don’t have to go it alone.
The AAMB hosts who ran Bloom this year, the vendors, and the speakers all rocked the same message: Join Us. More than 2 years after beginning my journey as a mother, I still struggle with loneliness. The irony of motherhood is that, while it is a supremely common experience, and while there are many right ways to parent, motherhood can still be a very lonely job. But connecting with someone in just one small way can make a huge difference. At Bloom this year, I was invited to try out chiropractic care, join a fitness class, shop for myself, connect with a Moms on Call consultant, speak with a therapist, let someone else feed my family, and learn more about babywearing. It takes a village–and that village exists.
I hope that you’ll check out the vendors from #ATLBLOOM2019 and find something that will make your journey as a mother just a little bit easier. And I hope that you’ll consider attending next year’s Bloom event!
For a full list of Bloom sponsors, see below.
Host Sponsor
At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool, we offer a safe, secure & nurturing environment through our Distinctive Services and proprietary, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum. We maintain a reputation of unrivaled distinction in preschool and early childhood education making us a sought after, premier private preschool program.
