What Actually Happens at a Bump Club Meet-Up (And Why You Shouldn't Be Nervous)
If you’ve seen some posts about the Kootenay Bump Club, you may have thought "aw, that sounds nice”, and then shortly thereafter “…but I won't know anyone. What if it's awkward? What if I’m awkward? [insert 3 other reasons why I shouldn’t go HERE]”
Firstly, HI — I see you 👀
…and that voice is completely normal. As an extroverted-introvert, the idea of walking into a room of strangers is intimidating at the best of times, let alone when you're pregnant, a little tired, and can’t recall if you have anything other than black leggings that still fit 🫠
Here’s the run-down on what Kootenay Bump Club IS, why Sarah and I created this group, and why we’d love for you to join us 🤍
First, the honest truth about the nerves
If I were a gambling gal, I’d bet that everyone who walks through the door is a little nervous joining their firs time. The person who looks completely at ease? Probably white-knuckling their bubble tea and wondering the same things you are. It’s not very often we’re put in “make new friends” situations as grown-adults and you are not the only one feeling a bit of discomfort.
And that shared "eek, this is new" energy (AKA shared vulnerability 🤍) is actually the thing that bonds people fastest. Nobody here is a polished expert with it all figured out. We're all just showing up and seeking to create more community and connections.
Okay, so what actually happens?
Bump Club typically goes a little something like this…
You arrive at Izzy's Café Market sometime around 4:30 (a bit late is totally fine too! We all have different schedules and some of us are moving a little slower these days 😅). You order a tea, a coffee, a treat -whatever feels good - and you head over to the tables and sitting area with a bunch of new, friendly faces.
Sarah or I will be there to greet you, grab a name tag (optional, but pregnancy-brain friendly!) and a seat, and introduce you to some of your fellow bumps! Often the conversations just flow, but if things slow, Sarah and I have TONS of experienced-mama & doula questions to get the conversation flowing again.
From there? It's honestly just a cozy chat over drinks. People swap due dates and discover they're weeks apart. Someone asks the question about something that’s been really top-of-mind lately, and three other people go "oh my gosh, ME TOO". We talk about the exciting stuff, the weird stuff, the nerve-wracking stuff. Sometimes we share a local recommendation, sometimes we just laugh about our latest 1am snack. There's no script, no lesson, no circle-time where you're forced to share. TLDR; it’ just like coffee with friends, because that's what it becomes.
Just before 6, Sarah and I typically have to start the slow walk towards the door - the time FLIES and we could usually talk for another hour. Sarah and I will follow-up with a post in the Kootenay Bump Club Facebook Group where folks can tag themselves in the weekly post so that you can reach out to any new friends you may want to re-connect with.
What you do NOT have to do
In case you had any concerns or nervous-questions floating around in the back of your mind, here’s a list of what Bump Club isn’t…
You don't have to know anyone. Seriously. I mean, it’s kind of the whole point… most people come solo their first time. That's the norm, not the exception.
You don't have to share anything you don't want to. Just want to sip your tea and listen this time? Perfect. Lurking is totally welcome. This is a supportive and inclusive space.
You don't have to commit. No membership, no cohort, no sign-up, no "you missed last month" guilt. Come once, come every month, come whenever life allows.
You don't have to be at any particular stage. Newly expecting, third trimester, growing your family, or on your TTC journey - you belong here.
You don't have to perform. No cute announcement, no perfect outfit, no having-it-together required. Come exactly as you are.
Who's usually there?
A lovely mix! First-time parents-to-be, folks on baby number two or three, people who are early and barely showing, people who are very ready to not be pregnant anymore. Some come with a friend or recognize a familiar face, but most come on their own. The common thread isn't your stage or your birth plan - it's that everyone's looking for the same thing you are: some new connections and friendships in the same season of life.
We've genuinely got you
We’ve been there. We’ve craved this connection and we want to make this space for parents-to-be in this new season of life.
Sarah and I aren't just hosting from across the room - we're right there to make sure nobody feels on the outside of things. If we spot someone who seems a bit unsure, we'll make a point to connect one-to-one and make them feel more at ease. That's the promise of Bump Club: you will not be left to fend for yourself. As local doulas, making people feel supported and at ease is kind of whole deal 💁🏼♀️.
Still nervous? Come anyway (seriously).
Advice from the extroverted-introvert doula and mom-of-two: you can feel nervous and still go. The two aren't mutually exclusive. I have talked myself out of soooo many things in my life, but when I take the uncomfortable step and GO, I’m almost always glad I did. And I’m almost certain you’ll feel glad you came to Bump Club.
These friendships that start over a café table at 28 weeks have a way of growing into the group chat that carries you through the newborn days and beyond.
I come from the future to give you this nudge:
Put it in your calendar.
Wear the comfy pants (or just anything that fits right now… you’ll be in good company)
Show up, order something warm, and grab a seat.
We meet the third Tuesday of every month, 4:30 – 6:00 PM at Izzy's Café Market in Nelson. It's free, there's no need to RSVP, and there's absolutely a seat at the table for you. 🤍
Want to stay in-the-loop and get pro-doula and mom-tips for local parents-to-be? Join us in our private Facebook Group 👉 Kootenay Bump Club — Nelson & West Kootenays
Come find your people. We'll be the ones waving you over 👋
Laine Ferguson is a Full-Spectrum Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Birth Photographer serving Nelson, BC and the West Kootenays. She co-hosts the Kootenay Bump Club alongside Sarah Cicchine of Alpine Prenatal.
