Nest Family Expo is a family-friendly event showcasing innovative products and local services for expecting parents, new parents, parents of toddlers, and grandparents. Along with national brands, Nest welcomes local businesses to teach families and attendees about unique products and services available in the Pioneer Valley. Feeding two birds with one scone, Nest provides families with everything they need to plan and prepare for their newest addition all in one convenient place! New and expecting parents come to Nest to learn how to best prepare for their growing families. They can explore new products, have a hands-on learning experience, connect with other expecting families, shop exclusive one-day deals, and enter to win awesome prizes. Nest Family Expo will take place on Sunday, April 9 at the Eastern States Exposition, Home of the Big E from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Nest Family Expo is proud to present internationally acclaimed author and photographer Ashlee Dean Wells of the Fourth Trimester Bodies Project. The 4th Trimester Bodies Project is a movement dedicated to educating, embracing, and empowering humans through photographs and storytelling. Ashlee will be delivering Nest's keynote presentation, Protecting the 4th Trimester: Shifting the Paradigm and Promoting Positivity Postpartum at 1:30 PM. She will discuss how mothers can celebrate themselves during the postpartum period and build a community of support and positivity. Ashlee is also conducting two 4th Trimester Bodies group sessions at Nest. In each session, a small group of participants will come together for a few hours in a safe space where they share their stories and talk through their struggles related to pregnancy, postpartum, body positivity, and self-love. Ashlee shares a bit about her personal journey, the 4th Trimester Bodies Project movement, healing, positivity, and self-care. Participants share in community building and then take photographs of the individual participants, either on their own or with their partners and/or children, and then take a group photo to commemorate the experience. It will be a wonderful morning or afternoon full of education and empowerment. To participate in a 4th Trimester Bodies session, you must book in advance. Visit www.nestfamilyexpo.com to purchase Luxe Tickets, which include the 4th Trimester Bodies Project group session, an 8x10 photo with the option to buy more, 30 minutes of private private shopping before the expo is open to the public, complimentary lunch and snacks throughout the day, 30 raffle tickets to enter for a chance to win amazing, high-end prizes, and a swag bag valued at over $500 which includes gift certificates to local businesses, full-sized mama and baby products, a Sarah Wells breast pump bag, and more.
Nest also offers Luxe Tickets for pregnant mothers. In addition to the private shopping, lunch, snacks, and raffle tickets, pregnant Luxe Ticket holders will receive a swag bag valued at over $500, which includes gift certificates to local businesses, full-sized mama and baby products, The Birth Bag and more. Pregnant Luxe Ticket holders will also receive a private maternity photo session with Sarah Prall Photography. Sarah Prall creates nourishing fine art for heartfelt people that is evocative and artistic and creates a lasting visual legacy of love. The maternity photo session will take place at Sarah Prall's studio on a different date, and will include one 8x10 photo with the option to buy more. Nest also offers VIP tickets, which include two admission tickets, 15 raffle tickets, and a swag bag valued at over $200. General admission is also available online for $8 and at the door for $10.
Nest's presentations begin with a Babywearing Workshop at 11:00 AM with Kiera Joujoute from WildChild Babywearing. Participants will learn about the benefits of babywearing and tried and true babywearing tips and tricks. Attendees are invited to leave their strollers in a designated Stroller Parking Area and visit the Wrapsody booth, which will be staffed by leading national expert, Kristi Hayes-Devlin, founder of the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance. Kristi will give personalized help to attendees who wish to borrow her baby carriers as they make their way through the expo. Other workshops include Babyproofing: Giving Parents Peace of Mind, Creating Healthy Sleep Habits, Cloth Diapering: 101, and Myths and Realities of “Breast is Best.”
Nest will feature over 50 booths and vendors. Attendees can learn about important services provided by local non-profit businesses, including free cloth diapers from the Rebecca Foundation, free postpartum visits and baby gear for Hilltown families from It Takes A Village, and early childhood education programs from Square One. Pregnant parents can visit with doulas, the River Valley Midwives, and Cooley Dickinson Medical Group while new parents can learn more about breastfeeding supplies and support and overnight help from Nightingale Night Nurses. Parents of toddlers can learn more about local activities, classes, and childcare placement for their little ones. Henna by Heather will be offering small henna designs throughout the day. Pregnant moms can be sure they look and feel their best on their big day by shopping at the BG Birthing Gown booth. Breastfeeding moms and moms-to-be can treat themselves to new breastfeeding dresses and tops at the Vida Leche Amor booth, which of course pair perfectly with LuLaRoe and “chewelry!” Treat your baby to a handcrafted repurposed sweater, which accessorizes perfectly with a tutu and headband. You can never have too many swaddles, books, teethers, and wood toys! Nest will also have all the natural products you want and need, from house cleaning to essential oils and skincare for the whole family. Babies can take a break at the nursing and changing station while toddlers and preschoolers can explore the play area set up by the local Montessori Schools. Healthy and delicious meal and snack options will be available right onsite throughout the day.
Nest Family Expo is an informative, exciting, important, and fun event not to be missed by new and growing families in Western Massachusetts. Nest takes place on April 9 from 11:00am – 6:00pm at the Eastern States Exposition, Home of the Big E. Tickets are now available at www.nestfamilyexpo.com. Luxe Tickets, which include photo sessions with the 4th Trimester Bodies Project or Sarah Prall Photography are extremely limited, so buy now.
