Mom Review: MommyCon Chicago

I am so happy that I was chosen to attend MommyCon Chicago. This was my first time attending and I almost did not make it.

I drove up the day of MommyCon. I was slightly shocked that there was 5 inches (maybe more) of snow and I didn’t know where my ice scraper thingy had been placed. Finally the weather forecast was right for once. But, I was prepared and gave myself extra time just in case this happened. The drive was fine until I hit the interstate. I expected I would be going slow, but not 40 mph. An hour into my drive, I was driving fine (at 40 mph) until I hit a patch of ice and slide. Luckily, I was able to correct myself and not go into a ditch (thank you 4-wheel drive and snow driving experience). After that, I said a prayer and I made it to Chicago.

The Donald E. Stephenson Convention Center welcomed me with warm halls that I could walk through until I saw the sign MommyCon. It was joy to see this sign after the long drive.

I got there a little early despite the snow and I was able to check out MommyCon event space and my excitement grew even more.

Now, the fun began. If you are planning to attend any of the MommyCon events, I suggest you look at the schedule and plan your day as there are usually 2-3 things going on during each time slot and you also want to check out the vendors as well. The first seminar I attended was Cloth Diapering 101 with Jennifer Labit from Cottonbabies.

Whether you were interested in cloth diapering or already a cloth diaper addict this seminar has a little knowledge for everyone from both Jennifer and the audience. Jennifer is seriously a down to earth mama and her message and passion is truly helping families. She offered educational information and practical tips.

I live real life and I take care of my family. Do what’s best for you. – Jennifer Labit

In fact, she shared something that she started and close to her heart called the Share the Love campaign. Share the Love is responsible for collecting cloth diaper donations in certain areas and distributing them to families in need. Find out more here.

Following the Cloth Diaper 101, I checked out the vendor space. If you followed us on Instagram (expectingmamas) you got a preview of some of the vendors there. Vendors were great. Some where there to answer questions,  some had discounts on their items, and some were showcasing their products. This was a gold mine! I think I spent too much time in this space (and maybe a little too much money).  Great deals with great brands is hard to pass up.

The next workshop I attended was Preparing for Siblings by Sharp Mamas. This workshop was smaller with a very inviting Q&A session. Definitely great for those who are expecting their second child or just had their second child. Sharp Mamas had helpful tips on preparing not only your child, but you as well.

Breastfeeding Myths Seminar was also great. I didn’t catch all of it (caught up in conversation with a mama), but I wish I was able to attend from the beginning.

If you are planning to breastfeed or breastfeeding, Shari Crisco is a great speaker, RN and IBCLC. Hoping she will be at another MommyCon near me so I can catch her seminar.

I didn’t get a chance to hear Jessica aka Leaky Boob & her husband, Jeremy speak about Sex after Baby (they have 6 kids), but I had to meet her. They were great to talk with for just a few minutes.

Lastly, I attended the Car Seat Safety 101 with Jamie aka The Baby Guy NYC. He touched on all the points that I love people hearing when it comes to car seat safety. As a CPST, he gets two thumbs in my book. Jamie is great to listen to and the story of how he got into the industry is neat. Speaking one-on-one with him, he truly loves what he does. I might start talking his phrase and see it it works for me.

Sexy! -Jamie Grayson

Overall, I loved my first MommyCon. The speakers were great. I knew of them before MommyCon, but hearing them speak and the engagement with the audience is authentic. The engagement among families with each other was amazing. I adored talking to mamas, whom I meant, randomly next to me or in line or at  vendor booth.  Also, seeing the community of families among each other. For example, there was this little girl upset and crying for whatever reason. Her father was trying to watch his other little girl (younger) and console his crying daughter and this woman came up and asked if she could help and talked to the little girl. That’s community. Another example, a woman lost her wedding ring set in the vendor area. Her friend reached out to the Facebook groups, they spread the word and this mama got her wedding ring set back. The community at MommyCon is awesome. Great speakers, loved the vendors and amazing community of families to be around. I am happy I was able to attend MommyCon Chicago. Thanks to Xza for putting this together and Lisa!

MommyCon is coming to the following cities- Atlanta, Minneapolis, Orlando and Washington D.C.. Check out MommyCon for dates.  MommyCon will have a different schedule for each city, so check their site or their Facebook page to see what the schedule is for the city you want to attend.

Are you going this year? If so, use our promo code BECOMINGFAM15 to save $5 off your ticket (only good on general admission, not pre-sale or VIP).