Saline Memorial Hospital to host Beautiful Beginnings Baby Fair on April 20

Parenting a newborn can be a difficult task.

The Beautiful Beginnings Baby Fair at Saline Memorial Hospital strives to make that transition a little easier.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 20, staff will be on hand to walk expecting and new parents through a variety of common activities, such as changing a diaper or swaddling; host presentations on infant and toddler care; emcee a maternity-to-toddler fashion show; and more.

“Our community has a lot to offer parents and people who are expecting, but people don’t always know everything that is available,” said Brynn Doddridge, director of women and infants at Saline Memorial Hospital. “The baby fair brings together all these resources at one time and place to that people can get connected with the care, services, and vendors needed. It’s also just a fun way to celebrate having a baby with the whole community.”

Parents will have the opportunity to participate in the Baby Boot Camp Challenge, as well as win prizes through the “Pyramid”-style game show. Doctors Kisha Rogers and Ajitha Yeluru will hold the presentation on infant and toddler care. There will also be food trucks on hand, vendors selling baby supplies, and a kids area for toddlers, complete with face painting and a bubble house sponsored by the local AKA sorority. The fashion show will feature clothing available for purchase as well.

More importantly, the goal is for families to feel supported, particularly when it comes to feeding options.

“One of the common struggles we see among parents is being con

Participants at last year’s Beautiful Beginnings baby fair stop for a smile. This year’s event will take place on April 20 at Saline Memorial Hospital.

cerned with feeding and making sure their children are getting the proper nutrition. This is true for both parents that choose formula and those breastfeeding. So, a part of our job is to reassure them and help them learn to recognize some of the things that are normal for babies when it comes to feeding,” said Dr. Ajitha Yeluru.

The fair is not just for parents, said Deanne Thomas, marketing and communications coordinator.

“There are some resources specific to moms, but really it would be good for both parents,

as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends -- anyone who is around children,” she said.