Are you pregnant, looking after a new baby or juggling toddler chaos? Wish there was a single place you could go to find high-quality local products and knowledgeable service professionals? A place where you could ask questions, touch and feel products before you purchase, and meet other local families in the same life season as you? And find the perfect Christmas gift for the little people in your life?

Words Erin Huckle Images Poppy Peterson Photography

Local mum and award-winning family photographer Rachel Lee from Scribbly Gum Photography felt the same when she had her first baby four years ago. “I was a new mum, feeling overwhelmed. Not sure where to go for great products and helpful advice, and looking for my ‘village’,” said Rachel. So this year, Rachel’s taken the leap and decided to launch the Illawarra’s only boutique high-quality event for local parents and families, the Coal Coast Pregnancy & Baby Expo, taking place at University Hall, University of Wollongong on Saturday 12 December.

Originally scheduled for July 2020, the event had to be postponed due to the pandemic, but Rachel and the event team were determined it should go ahead. “It’s definitely been an interesting year to be launching a live event. There were points where we didn’t know if it would happen, so we’re thrilled to have a date to look forward to and so many fantastic exhibitors confirmed.”

The event has a focus on local small businesses, carefully selected for their quality products and services. There’s also been an effort to keep it to one of each type of business - rather than having lots of exhibitors with the same kind of offer. “We’re keeping things simple, with a selection of high-quality Australian businesses in each specialty area, from a baby and toddler sleep consultant and physiotherapy, to educational toys and must-have prams,” said Rachel. “It’s the event we wish we’d all had when we had our babies.”

Jess DeAngelis, co-founder of designer nappy change clutch business Ben & Ellie, said although their business serves a global market, it’s exciting to have an opportunity to exhibit in their hometown.

“Being an online retailer, we love the opportunity to show people our products in real life, and to chat with other mums about how we can help make their lives easier. Rachel has created a valuable local network, and the in-person aspect means there’s also no worry about delivery in time for Christmas. We’ll have our products available for mums to buy and take home on the day,” said Jess.

With more than 30 exhibitors confirmed for the event, there are also plenty of service providers taking part, to offer advice and answer questions from local families.

Maddie Beevers from Village Physio in Shellharbour, said taking part in the event is part of their mission to help as many women as possible. “Our pre and post-natal physio services are focused on education for new and expectant mothers. Helping them learn what’s normal, what’s not, and what to look out for as their bodies change. We haven’t been to an event like this before, so it’s an exciting opportunity for us to chat to mums, and help them feel empowered on their pregnancy and new baby journey,” said Maddie.

The Coal Coast Pregnancy & Baby Expo is all about connection, support and access to relevant information and quality products, under one roof. “In this online age and this time of social distancing, expectant and new families need all the help they can get accessing the information, services and products they need,” said Rachel Lee, Coal Coast Pregnancy & Baby Expo. “I can’t wait to bring this helpful and high-quality event to the parents and families of our region.”

Tickets booked in advance are FREE.
Tickets on the door are $20.

The event will also be giving back, with a raffle raising funds for the Miracle Babies Foundation and Gunawirra.

Find out more here.