Mum sets up "baby fair with a difference" fair after lack of support

Thursday 08 June 2023

A Jersey mum has set up the island's first pregnancy and post-natal fair for expectant parents and new families after experiencing a lack of consolidated support while on maternity leave.

Bump, Baby and Beyond, a free walk-in event, will be taking place at St. Clement Parish Hall this Saturday (10 June) from 10:00 to 15:00.

Organised by Emma Matthews, the founder of keepsake service Jersey Memory Maker (previously Freddie's Footprint), the fair will bring together antenatal self-care, parent and baby groups, professional services and baby-focused businesses in a 'one stop shop' for expectant parents and new families.

"It can be so isolating being on maternity leave"

"The idea came from my own experience of pregnancy and being on maternity leave," Ms Matthews explained.

"I found that outside of social media, there isn't a single source for information covering varying aspects of being a new parent or helping parents connect with other parents and babies.

"It can be so isolating being on maternity leave and struggling with coping with a new baby and not being sure where or who to turn to, especially if you're a single parent or struggling with post-natal depression."

"Fewer people now have the 'village'"

She continued: "Fewer people now have the 'village' that it takes to raise a child and can often find the time that is supposed to be so special is full of uncertainty and self-doubt.

"Not everyone finds it easy to reach out for help, and as a first-time parent, sometimes even getting the courage to go somewhere new and meet new people in a group feels daunting and overwhelming."

Mrs Matthews hopes that Bump, Baby and Beyond will "go some way to reducing isolation and loneliness by bringing services together in one place, whether you're expecting or have already had your baby."

"A baby fair with a difference"

They can "gather information", make connections, and ask questions which "can help to relieve anxiety".

Ms Matthews said that, on the day, attendees can expect to find "a baby fair with a difference", with some family fun thrown in – and freebies!

Pictured: A poster for the event.

She added: "Being able to ask questions can help to relieve anxiety and replace this with excitement to attend."

If successful, she will look to run the event annually or twice yearly.

The non-profit event will also be raising funds for Philip's Footprints, which works to support parents through child loss and promotes safer pregnancy.

Parking will be available and there will be disabled/buggy access on the right hand side of the hall.

What will be available?

Support services will include...

Antenatal care: Positive Birth, Baby Steps, Philip's Footprints and Nurturing Touch.

Parent and baby groups: Kalimukti, Positive Birth, Nurturing Touch, Baby Beethoven, Nature Base, The Mum Club, Jersey Association of Child Carers, Sign Time and Jersey Deanery playgroups.

Baby-friendly businesses: Memory Maker, Tiny Threads, Jabula baby clothes rental and Carry in Cloth sling library and reusable nappies.

Postnatal support services: Mind Jersey, Philip's Footprints, Family Nursing and Home Care and Baby Basics.

For mini-me's attending, there will be bouncy castles from The Party Crew and some small activities from some stall holders. There will be a small pop up cafe for parents to have a coffee and a chat and we also have a photographer attending who will have a mini studio area for pictures on the day.