The Save Babies Blogger Baby Shower: Chicago 2013

Last year in NYC, Kristine of Cora’s Story and I hosted a Blogger Baby Shower. It was a wonderful success and tons of fun where we learned about newborn screening, shared relevant brands and products, gave away prizes, and chatted with friends. With some feedback from attendees that it was one of their favorite parties, we knew we had something. We added Christa of Little BGCG to our team and became The Baby Ladies: a trio of women who educate, support, and empower moms and babies. We’re bloggers, advocates, and brand spokespersons.

This year is our second annual Blogger Baby Shower and it will be on July 25th in Chicago! I’m thrilled because Chicago is like my second home… excited to invite everyone to see the city and enjoy the sights. This year we’re partnering with the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation to educate and raise awareness for life saving newborn screenings. We are proud to be working with such an amazing organization and helping to spread this much-needed information. Together we can all Save Babies!

The goal of the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation is to see that every baby born in the US is screened successfully, effectively, and comprehensively. Did you know that newborn screenings vary from state to state? Save Babies educates parents, pediatric healthcare providers, and policy makers about screening, the life-saving importance of obtaining results within 5 days of birth, and the process of confirmatory testing, treatment, and management.

Their website is a wealth of information so take a moment and look around–bookmark it for later reference. You can check your state and what they screen for,  watch a video on newborn screening, read through FAQ for pregnant families, and so much more including resources for initial positive screens and for families with diagnoses.

Do you know what your baby is screened for at birth? Do you know what to expect? As I mentioned, screening varies among states and you may not be getting all that you need. Pulse oximetry can detect some forms of CHD (congenital heart defects) and is extremely simple, quick, and non-invasive. However, it’s not required in all states (yet!). When both of my children were born, I specifically requested it because I know  how important it is.

Follow Save Babies to stay up to date on new research, education, and resources. Sign up for their newsletter and find them on twitter and facebook.

Interested in our Save Babies Blogger Baby Shower this year? If you’re attending, we cannot wait to meet you and share SBTS and our event sponsors with you! Some brands reps will be in attendance, we’ll demonstrate pulse ox, products will be on display, Leading Lady will be doing professional bra fittings on-site, Contours will demonstrate their new Bliss 4-in-1 stroller, there are lots of door prizes to give away, and AHHH-MAZING swag bags to take home! Let’s hear it for our sponsors:

Earth Mama Angel Baby

Preggie Pops

Rhoost

Posh Play Mat

Patchwork Bear

The Clueless Chick

Wipebox

Mixed Bag Designs

Tiny Love

To follow the fun, you can catch us on twitter and instagram with #TBLBabyShower, follow this twitter list of sponsors and this list of Shower attendees, and catch our sponsors on facebook.

All week I’ll be showcasing our Gold Level Baby Shower sponsors so check back for more details on amazing brands and products! SEE YOU IN CHICAGO!