Guest Blog by ClubMomMe Founding Member, Rachel Pitzel
When you decide to name an event BoobiePalooza, you pretty much are guaranteed a good time. In this case, the boobie event was not in reference to a slutty-porn type of event that you would typically find in Vegas mid-January, but more of the “celebrate the amazing body parts that feed new human beings” variety.
BoobiePalooza is the creative vision of the Pump Station, the boutique store and brand in Los Angeles that is dedicating to supporting and educating moms, and the Berlin Wellness Group, a center specializing on providing health and wellness options to the pre & postnatal.
This year, BoobiePalooza moved to the Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, from its native location in Orange County. The event also really stepped up its game by creating several different “zones,” featuring fun and interactive activities for everyone from moms, dads, kids, babies, and of course moms-to-be.
As an event celebrating Worldwide Breastfeeding Week, and National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, the Pump Station, of course, created an elaborate Lactation Lounge. Instead of pushing nursing moms off to the corner, the Lounge was front and center, celebrating the boobie, and allowing nursing moms to still hear speakers and stay involved in the event. Now that is a first!
Club MomMe hosted the Baby Gear Zone, featuring Britax, Joovy, Stokke, Orbit Baby, Ergo Baby, Crane and strollers by Baby Jogger, 4Moms and more. Club MomMe designed the space to be interactive and informative, allowing moms and moms-to-be to test out gear before purchasing it, in order to find out what best works for their lifestyle.
The Green Zone featured eco-friendly brands like Dapple & Episencial, with Plum Organics and Happy Baby providing products samples and coupons.
The Jenny Becs’ Kid Zone was a fun place to be with arts and crafts, live music (a real-life Sesame Street type of experience called Rockin’ Railroad that is both fun and educational for parents and babies) and tons of kid-centered activities by Kidville.
The Book Nook featured story-time and book signings by Books and Cookies, including Chudney Ross, owner of Books and Cookies LA, author of the new children’s book “Lone Bean,” and mom-to-be!
Other areas included the Pamper Lounge by Berlin Wellness, a Beer Garden (fun!), and a celebrity VIP lounge.
Speaking of VIPs, all attendees could get in on the VIP action by purchasing a VIP ticket which included goodies like an Aden & Anais swaddle, two gift certificates to Joovy, and more, totaling over $300! Moms literally walked around with a fully stuffed bag and huge grins on their faces.
The keynote speaker was none other than Los Angeles’ own Dr. Harvey Karp, otherwise known as the guy who can make every baby the Happiest Baby on the Block. Don’t believe me? Just try giving this man the most colicky baby you can imagine, and he will get the baby soothed and calm in no time. His brand now includes not just happy babies, but also toddlers and sleep for kids from 0 – 5 years of age. If this man does not deserve a prize from every parent alive, I am not sure who does. Which is why Club MomMe decided to giveaway a set of his DVDs and his new book to one lucky attendee!
Overall, a good day was had by all, the venue was the perfect location for the event, and the vibe of the day was fun, educational and of course, celebrated the boobie. Glad to know that at least one day can be set aside for a palooza specifically for the LA boobie crowd.
Club MomMe is the only social events company for moms and expectant moms in Los Angeles, with another location in Chicago. They foster and support a social, educational and wellness community for moms and moms-to-be, and help them transition from “me” to a “MomMe” together through our various events and community, both in person and online. Club MomMe believes that motherhood is best shared, with a group of friends, learning about interesting and relevant topics, and of course great mommy swag always makes an event more fun! Rachel Burris Pitzel is the Founder of Club MomMe.
About Rachel Pitzel
A Los Angeles native, Rachel spent the last three years living with her husband in Chicago where she found an appreciation for city-living, walking everywhere, and even survived a few winters. Rachel fell in love with the friendliness and community feeling that is so pervasive in Chicago, and she hopes to build a similar communal feeling between moms and moms-to-be in Los Angeles. A reformed attorney, Rachel loves cooking, researching the latest baby products, pilates, yoga and the beach. In her spare time Rachel loves to travel with her husband and spend time volunteering with Junior League of Los Angeles.