Meet a Mom – Monica Infante
Founder and President of Babies & Bumps
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
Two kids – Dominic (10) and Gianna (8)
What do you love about being a mom?
Making memories and creating traditions, having inside jokes, and figuring things out as we grow as a family. My greatest joy is helping my kids discover what inspires and fulfills them.
Tell us about Babies & Bumps.
Babies & Bumps is an event series I started in 2013 to help parents feel prepared for all aspects of having a baby through connections and expert-led informational sessions. It’s a curated, conference-style event with a more intimate feel than an “expo” or “baby fair.” I felt prepared when I was pregnant with my son, but every step of the way I was encountering difficulties and feeling like I had no support. The help I needed was out there! I just wasn’t plugged into the incredible birth and parenting community in my hometown, and was finding out about resources after I needed them. I started Babies & Bumps to help parents learn about resources before they need them, and get questions to answers they didn’t even know to ask. We want people to leave feeling armed with knowledge and connected to resources that will help them every step of their parenting journey. Gift bags and giveaways are the icing on the cake!
What can parents expect when attending the upcoming Babies & Bumps PGH North Event?
We have so much in store for our attendees! Over 30 organizations, that cater to new and soon-to-be parents, will be showcasing their products and services. We’ll have everything from pediatricians and lactation consultants to swim schools and artisans. There will be 16 seminars and demonstrations led by local experts on topics related to pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and life with a baby. Participants can enjoy activities like baby & bump photos and a car seat safety clinic. And… giveaways! Everyone gets a door prize (while supplies last!) and at least one entry into our grand prize drawing. Attendees with Premium Admission will leave with a gift bag worth over $100 in products from brands we love. We’re also hosting a charity raffle to benefit the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank, with over 25 prizes up for grabs!
What sets Babies and Bumps apart?
Our focus on empowerment – and we believe unbiased, evidence-based information and connections to values-driven organizations is the key. Every new and soon-to-be parent deserves to know their options, learn to advocate for themselves, and have the support they need to unapologetically live an authentic parenting journey.
Can you please explain the different types of ticket options?
Sure! We have two main ticket types – General Admission and Premium Admission. Regardless of ticket type, everyone gets a pink Babies & Bumps reusable tote when they arrive, and one (General) or two (Premium) tickets into our grand prize drawing. Premium ticket holders also receive a gift bag! We have Pittsburgh tickets set up so you can bring a General Admission guest for ten bucks.
What do you love about your job?
Being able to make a direct impact on the people we serve. Whether it’s the parents who attend, their babies, or the businesses and brands we partner with, we go out of our way to strengthen the birth and parenting communities in our B&B cities, and help parents feel empowered about all aspects of their parenting journeys.
What is your favorite thing to do with your children and/or family?
We love to travel together! And a lot of our trips tend to be to our B&B cities, which each have a special place in our hearts. One of my favorite trips was a quick one to Pittsburgh with my son about six years ago. I took him to Point State Park, and between the rivers, the bridges, and the fountain, it was tough to pull him away!
How do you juggle work and motherhood?
My husband, my father, and our team at Babies & Bumps – I truly couldn’t do any of it without their support.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from another mom?
When things feel overwhelming, focus on what’s next, not all-the-things. Just put one foot in front of the other and give yourself grace along the way.
Is there anything that you would like to share with other moms?
Know your options and don’t compare yourself to others. There are so many choices to make and opportunities to make your parenting journey fit with your values, priorities, and preferences. There’s no “right” way to do things, other than what keeps you and your baby happy and healthy.
