Cove Baby Expo draws a crowd

By LYNETTE SOWELL 

Cove Leader-Press 

The inaugural Copperas Cove Baby Expo was something new in Copperas Cove on Saturday morning, and before doors opened at the Copperas Cove Civic Center at 10 a.m., expectant mothers and new moms were lined up outside, with the line wrapping around the building. 

The free event drew dozens of vendors to the area, with everything from baby gear, to children’s books, to birthing services and even a stroller walking club for moms. 

Overseeing it all was Miss Five Hills Emerald Bentley, a military spouse and a birthing specialist who created the event to help mothers. 

“I am a birth support specialist, known as a doula,” said Bentley, a mother of two. “With my first baby, I was not prepared for motherhood or pregnancy or infancy. I had no clue. I make it my passion to supply mothers with everything they need to know so they feel more prepared.” 

The event also served as a fundraiser for Grace For Mothers, a local nonprofit. They supply birth support, such as doula, and postpartum support for low-income mothers and free to no cost, on a sliding scale that is open to anyone in Coryell and Bell Counties. 

“I am passionate about the work that Grace For Mothers does to help women transition into motherhood.{“ 

In addition to vendors, there were groups such as WIC, Hope Pregnancy Center, La Leche League and the Heart of Texas Baby Wearing Chapter to offer information and support.

Along with the vendors and information, several activities and contests took place to include a baby crawling race, diaper toss, bottle chugging, and a cutest baby picture contest, with prizes for the winners.

The event raised just over $900 for Grace For Mothers, and Bentley was thrilled with the amount. 

“To be honest, I was terrified to build an event from the ground up, especially since the pageant system is so successful. I knew I had big shoes to fill, but I knew that my passion would drive it forward,” Bentley said. “It was scary, but when someone told me there were women lined up outside the door and around the building, 30 minutes before we were opening the doors, I knew everything was coming together. I was really feeling good.”

She hopes the event will continue next year and if so, she plans to be here to support it. 

More information about Grace For Mothers and their services can be found at graceformothers.com. The group holds monthly meet-ups in addition to their childbirth classes, doula support scholarships, community needs closet, and more. They can be reached at 979) 309-9033 and have offices at 400 Jasper Rd. Suite 101, in Killeen.