Let’s be honest — motherhood in a bustling city like Lagos is no small feat. Between career, family expectations, and personal dreams, many Nigerian mums find themselves pouring from a cup that’s long been empty. So when news spread that a fresh, transformative wellness experience called ‘Mums in Bloom’ was coming to Ikoyi, curiosity bloomed too. And rightly so.
On May 29, 2025, the serene RF Garden in Ikoyi hosted the inaugural ‘Mums in Bloom’ Wellness Event — a deliberate sanctuary crafted to celebrate, nurture, and re-energize modern Lagos mums. But it wasn’t just another networking brunch with finger foods and polite small talk. This was an intentional gathering designed to remind every mother that her well-being deserves centre stage, not the dusty back row.
Imagine a calm garden morning — birds above the city din, conversations without judgement, and experts dropping nuggets that could shift how a mum sees herself and her health. That’s what ‘Mums in Bloom’ delivered: a vibrant community coming together to tackle real maternal health needs in a city that often overlooks the invisible weight mothers carry.
This article unfolds exactly what made ‘Mums in Bloom’ stand out, the big players who showed up, the powerful discussions that happened, and why it matters far beyond just one beautiful day in Ikoyi. If you’re a mother, know a mother, or care about mothers thriving in Lagos, then you’re exactly where you should be.
Event Theme and Objectives
Now, let’s unpack the heartbeat of ‘Mums in Bloom’ — its carefully chosen theme and the real intentions behind gathering Lagos mums under one garden canopy. This wasn’t a random tagline slapped on a banner for likes; it was a promise. The theme, “Cultivating Wellness & Joy,” captured exactly what so many mothers quietly crave but rarely get: genuine support for mind, body, and soul.
At its core, ‘Mums in Bloom’ recognised a truth we often whisper: maternal health is more than antenatal check-ups and baby showers. It’s about the mother as a whole person — her physical health, her mental space, her sense of belonging, and her ability to reclaim joy without guilt.
The event set out three clear objectives:
Prioritise Maternal Health, Loudly and Boldly:
In Nigeria, the maternal mortality rate still sits uncomfortably high compared to global averages. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for around 70% of global maternal deaths — and Nigeria contributes significantly to that figure. By spotlighting topics like breastfeeding, postpartum care, and mental wellness, ‘Mums in Bloom’ shifted the conversation from statistics to solutions that mothers can apply in real life.
Foster a Strong Community of Mums Who Lift Each Other:
Isolation is one of the most underestimated burdens mothers bear. When you’re up all night rocking a feverish baby, or silently navigating postpartum blues, it’s easy to feel alone. This event aimed to dismantle that silence. It brought mums together, not just to sit and listen, but to share, laugh, and admit: “Me too.”
Provide a Credible Platform for Expert Knowledge:
Every mum needs information she can trust — not guesswork or myths passed down from aunts with good intentions but outdated facts. With panels led by paediatricians, lactation consultants, and child health advocates, ‘Mums in Bloom’ handed mums science-backed insights on feeding, newborn care, and self-care, minus any intimidation.
What made this theme and these goals stand out was the intention to grow something lasting — a movement, not a one-off show. The conversations didn’t end when the chairs were cleared; they sparked new questions and practical steps for mothers to bloom in their daily lives.
Key Highlights of the Event
Let’s dig into what truly brought the ‘Mums in Bloom’ vision to life — the carefully curated activities and the brilliant minds that turned a garden gathering into a catalyst for change.
Expert Panel: Roots of Wisdom
One highlight that anchored the entire day was the powerful panel discussion aptly titled “Expert Roots: Knowledge That Nurtures.” This wasn’t your usual dry talk with rehearsed lines; it was a vibrant exchange of practical advice, personal stories, and medical facts delivered in a language every mother could relate to.
Moderated by Adeola Alli, founder of One Health, the session drew in a seasoned line-up:
Dr. Ayodele Renner, a respected consultant paediatrician known for advocating child wellness beyond prescriptions.
Dr. Lope Adejuyigbe, a medical doctor and certified lactation consultant who has been at the frontline of demystifying breastfeeding challenges in Nigeria.
Itoro Ugorji, founder of Baby Lounge, whose experience helping young families navigate early parenthood added a relatable touch to the expert-heavy conversation.
They tackled questions that many mothers whisper in private:
How can I breastfeed successfully while juggling work?
When should I worry about my baby’s feeding?
How do I care for my mental health after delivery?
By the end of the panel, mothers left with answers they could trust and use immediately — and for once, they didn’t feel lectured, but heard.
Product Launch: A Breastfeeding Game Changer
Another standout moment was the unveiling of the IMANI Nigeria Breast Pump. In a country where quality breastfeeding support tools can be hard to access or too pricey, this launch was more than a product pitch — it was hope in a box.
Mums got a front-row seat to live demonstrations. They asked questions, tested the pump’s features, and shared feedback in real time. The goal was clear: help mothers continue breastfeeding comfortably, even when life demands they step outside the nursery.
This practical demo alone sparked new conversations about affordable breastfeeding aids, working mum support policies, and what it means to truly back a mother’s choice to feed her baby her way.
Notable Faces: Women Cheering Women
Energy crackled through the garden not just because of the programme but also because of the inspiring women who lent their voices and presence. Among the guests were:
Yegazie Eguare, the acclaimed photographer behind Gazmadu Studios, who captured raw, tender moments of mums bonding.
Motunrayo Adegoke, a lifestyle influencer whose honesty about balancing motherhood and career resonated with attendees.
Kehinde Debola Williams, known for her community impact work.
Kachi Offiah and Morenike Molehin, both vocal supporters of wellness-driven conversations for women.
Seeing these role models mix freely with everyday mums broke down the usual VIP walls. Everyone was equal — a mother, a sister, a woman deserving of rest, joy, and community.
These highlights didn’t just fill a day; they planted seeds for deeper conversations in homes, clinics, and neighbourhoods across Lagos.
Impact on Maternal Health and Community
So, what does a sunny day in Ikoyi mean for the bigger picture of maternal health in Lagos and Nigeria? In truth, gatherings like ‘Mums in Bloom’ are not just feel-good events — they’re nudges in the right direction for policy, healthcare practice, and everyday family support.
Firstly, they normalise open talk about what mothers actually go through. Postpartum depression, breastfeeding struggles, exhaustion, and the social pressure to ‘hold it together’ are often pushed aside. By tackling them head-on with experts and fellow mums, these issues get the attention they deserve — with practical tips instead of shame.
Secondly, they drive innovation and access. The launch of an affordable, quality breast pump right there in the garden means more mothers can continue exclusive breastfeeding — which can reduce infant mortality and boost child immunity significantly. This aligns directly with Nigeria’s push to lower preventable child and maternal deaths.
Finally, they remind the wider community — partners, employers, policymakers — that a healthy mother equals a healthier society. One well-supported mum means stronger children, more productive families, and a ripple effect on communities. It’s basic, but often forgotten in the chaos of daily hustle.
Events like ‘Mums in Bloom’ ignite small fires of change that, if nurtured, could lead to more workplace lactation rooms, better maternal leave policies, and less stigma around mental health struggles for new mothers.
Future Plans and Takeaways
As the last chairs were packed away and the garden returned to its quiet self, one thing was clear: ‘Mums in Bloom’ is only just getting started. Organisers and partners hinted at plans for more frequent gatherings, digital support groups, and partnerships that push the cause of maternal wellness beyond city limits.
For every mother who attended, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just the breast pump demo or the expert quotes to jot in a notebook. It was the gentle, collective reminder: you matter too. Your wellness, your rest, and your joy deserve as much attention as the next feeding schedule or school run.
For the rest of us, whether we are partners, siblings, employers, or neighbours, the lesson is equally strong: communities flourish when mothers are supported and celebrated, not just on Mother’s Day, but every day.
Here’s to more gardens blooming with conversations that heal, educate, and uplift the mothers who hold up our homes and our future.
