Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo: inaugural event in Mackay this weekend
When Kat Bampton first moved to Mackay, she found it challenging to find help for women on their motherhood journey. Here’s what she did about it.
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When Kat Bampton first moved to Mackay, she found it challenging to find help for women on their motherhood journey.
It led to the birth of a new event aiming to connect women and families with local services to support their pregnancy, birth and post-partum journey.
The Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo is the first of its kind in the region, with 30 local services ready to welcome guests on Saturday, May 28.
There will also be a host of expert speakers at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre providing advice on everything from the benefits of yoga and breath work, to fertility and post-partum mental health.
Mackay mothers Kat Bampton and Kiah Muntelwit — whose businesses aim to empower women and families through birth and beyond — are behind the event.
Ms Bampton, from House Of She, said with 2000 births in Mackay annually, thousands of families would benefit from support such as nutrition, self-care, hypnobirthing and first-aid, but few knew the services existed.
The mother-of-two said she recognised the demand for holistic care while living on the Gold Coast and wanted to ensure Mackay families had access to the same supports.
“I was exposed to hundreds of services that helped women make the most of their journey into motherhood,” Ms Bampton said.
“When I moved home to Mackay I discovered we also have many of these services but finding them can be a challenge.
“We created this expo to connect women with services that will nurture and support them on their journey to motherhood and beyond.”
Ms Muntelwit, from The Birth Circle, said the expo was also about education.
“Teaching people about the process and giving them choices in the way they approach their journey – from pre-conception to post-partum, is key to creating positive experiences,” she said.
“There are so many services available, both private and government-funded, that can benefit families by supporting their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
“Our aim is to educate people on everything from fertility to parenting so they have the tools to better navigate what is often both a magical and challenging time in their lives.”
The inaugural Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo is open to families in all stages of their journey.
Guest speakers include women’s health physiotherapist, fertility specialist, psychologist and doula.
The event is free and everyone who attends will go into the draw to win a free night at The Ville in Townsville.
The event will be held at the MECC on Saturday, May 28 from 9am to 1pm. For more information www.pbexpo.com.au
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