It Takes a Village: Why Local Support Matters When You’re Starting a Family
Raising Little Ones Isn’t Meant to Be Done Alone.
Whether you’re preparing to welcome your first baby or navigating the toddler years, early parenthood is one of life’s most joyful — and most overwhelming — seasons. Amid the excitement, there are big decisions to make, new responsibilities to juggle, and constant changes to adapt to.
Having access to reliable, local resources can make all the difference in helping families feel confident, supported, and empowered.
🧠 The Research Is Clear: Support Systems Matter
“New parents benefit greatly from social, emotional, and practical support during pregnancy and postpartum. A strong support system reduces stress, improves mental health, and leads to better outcomes for both parent and child.”
— Canadian Paediatric Society
A study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that mothers with strong community support were significantly less likely to experience postpartum depression and more likely to feel confident in their parenting abilities.¹
Meanwhile, families who had access to local services — such as lactation consultants, physiotherapists, doulas, and parenting groups — reported higher satisfaction with their transition into parenthood.
💬 Real Help, Close to Home
The truth is: Google can only go so far. When you're tired, anxious, or looking for trusted answers, nothing beats face-to-face guidance from local professionals who understand your community and your needs.
Whether it’s:
Getting breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant
Finding a doula who aligns with your birth plan
Discovering a play group or activity for your toddler
Or meeting other moms in the same stage as you
— these are all forms of local connection that can transform your parenting journey.
🎉 That’s Why We Created the Belly, Baby, & Beyond Expo
The Belly, Baby, & Beyond Expo was born out of a simple mission: to connect families with the incredible resources, services, and small businesses right here in our community.
At this free one-day event, families can:
Meet amazing local vendors
Ask questions, book consults, and sample services
Discover handmade goods, books, toys, and products
Get access to health and wellness professionals
And most importantly — feel seen, supported, and celebrated
📅 Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
Location: Transcona Country Club, Winnipeg, MB (2060 Dugald Rd.)
🎟️ Free to attend – Click here to pre-register!
💕 Come Find Your Village
If you’ve ever felt like you were figuring it all out alone — you’re not. There’s an entire community of professionals and businesses who want to help make life a little easier (and a lot more joyful).
Whether you're expecting your first, chasing your third, or navigating postpartum recovery — you belong here.
Join us at the Belly, Baby, & Beyond Expo and discover the support that’s been right around the corner all along.
Sources:
Tarkka, M-T. (2003). Predictors of maternal competence by first-time mothers when the child is 8 months old. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.
Canadian Paediatric Society. (2022). Caring for young children: The importance of support networks.