Finding new friends and sharing parenting information was the purpose behind the inaugural Ladies with Babies family community networking event held on April 28 in Pasadena.

Ladies with Babies was started by mom Athena Severi more than a year ago and is now an international online networking group for mothers with babies of any age with over 1,100 members. The network is growing at a rapid rate and boasts a large Facebook presence. The moms share information to provide help, support and enrichment for family life.

“Being a mom is not always easy,” said Severi. “We need to help each other as much as we can.”

The first annual event was held in Old Pasadena and the place was bustling with more than 200 attendees. Moms, dads, teens, grandparents and children seemed to be everywhere. Gymboree of South Pasadena and Little June Bugs Children’s provided activities to keep the youngsters occupied. The Pasadena Fire Department gave hook and ladder demonstrations that fascinated the children and may have even given a few the desire to join up with the department in the future.

Over 30 vendors including Whole Foods, California Pizza Kitchen, Buttercelli’s Organic Bakeshop, Saladish, Fabes All Natural Bakery and The Back Door Bakery in Sunland provided food and products. Other vendors offered valuable information on their products and services regarding schools, natural health groups, photography, toxic-free cleaning and even clothing and items for pregnant and new mothers by  Bellies, Babies  and Bosoms in  Montrose. Free samples of health and skin care products were given out as well.

Free parenting seminars were held on vital information on how to best deal with “the terrible twos,” how to raise a child to make the right choices in life, how to  best handle an angry child and how to effectively raise a happy and self determined child.

“Education is a very important part of being a parent,” said Severi. “That’s why I decided that the free parenting seminars should be included in the event. I consider parenting education as a valuable tool to use for raising happy children.”

As a special acknowledgement, longtime Los Angeles Pediatrician Dr. Paul Fleiss was honored and given special recognition for his years of work with babies and children.

More local events are being planned with opportunities for in person networking and new friend-making.

For more information about Ladies with Babies events or general information, contact ladieswithbabiesevents@gmail.com or visit their website at www.ladieswithbabies.org.

Contributed by Trissie BADGER