Local parenting Blogger Maria Rushe (@secretsofsmum) presented her second Pregnancy, Baby and Family event “Bump & Beyond” in The Mount Errigal Hotel on Sunday last, and what an afternoon it proved to be.
Hundreds of families attended the North West’s Baby extravaganza, where they were able to browse beautiful shopping stands, get information from Qualified Experts, speak to HSE and voluntary services and listen to Keynote speakers.
Everything related to Pregnancy, Baby and Family was represented: from Baby massage to Maternity Wear, baby gifts to beautiful treats for Mum.
“When I initially conceived the idea for Bump & Beyond, I wanted it to be about putting correct information from the qualified professionals into a room for parents to access without waiting lists and appointments.
“This was our second show, and while our debut was wonderful, Sunday’s show was much more successful for my team, as it was exactly what we had originally envisioned and we can happily build on it now,” said busy Mum of two Maria, who organised the event assisted by her husband
Emmet Rushe, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Midwife Lorraine Porter and Liam Porter Media.
Among the services in attendance were Citizens Advice, Lifestart, Parent Hub, Parent Stop, TÚSLA, The Women’s Centre, Cara House, The Autism Association, Foróige, Donegal County Library, and Donegal Downs Syndrome and Special Needs Information.
Experts included Paediatric OT Bríd Dunn, whose presentation on Sensory Development was excellent. Acclaimed and highly sought after Sleep and Behavioural expert, Denise Gillespie, once again offered a superb presentation, while Emmet Rushe from Rushe Fitness spoke about returning to exercise post baby.
Other experts on the main stage included Caroline Doherty-Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, local midwife Geraldine Hanley, Donegal County Library’s Karen Sheehy, Wearing your Baby with Joanne (McGrenaghan), Chef Martin Anderson who spoke about family meals and Louise from the Road Safety Authority who spoke passionately about child safety in cars.
Wonder Years Childcare provided fun and games for the little ones and Chic Maternity showcased their evening and casual wear in a fashion show. Special guests for the kids were Anna & Elsa, with a stunning performance of “Let it Go” by Elsa (local talent Katie Porter).
The main stage was jam packed with interviews, launches and entertainment from two superb Performing Arts academies: Rendition represented Pinehill Studios with an energetic and perfectly executed routine, while the show was opened and closed by zombies from Triumph Performing Arts, whose “Thriller” inspired piece was phenomenal.
A highlight was the Mammies and Babies from “Dance with me Baby,” whose demonstration stole the show!
Proceedings were kept running smoothly by Orson Sterritt of North West Entertainments, while The S-Mum herself took to the stage as co-host.
“Bump & Beyond was a wonderful day out and had a real community feel to it,” said one Mother afterwards.
“It was great to see how many services are actually available to us in the county.”
All pics by kind permission of Rosey McGinty.
