New and expectant mothers are being given the opportunity to find out how a Qatar Foundation (QF) initiative that nurtures a love of reading can help both them and their child, through a special ladies-only event at Education City.
Qatar Reads’ 'Mommy to Be' event will take place today and tomorrow from 4-9pm, offering the chance for mothers to meet and talk with professionals in a range of fields – from gynaecology and mental health to nutrition and reading – and find products that support them on their motherhood journey from vendors at the 'Mommy to Be Market'.
The free event at Education City’s Oxygen Park will also feature a series of Mommy Talks from experts in areas including obstetrics, perinatal health, and baby care, while also giving mothers of newborns and those who are expecting a child the chance to share experiences in a dedicated area for relaxation and interaction.
Through its 'Mommy to Be Programme', Qatar Reads encourages mothers to read to their children before they are even born, and helps them focus on good nutrition, looking after their mental health, and physical activity. With Qatar National Library ( QNL) and Kulud Pharmacy as partners, the programme provides families with educational reading materials, a curated reading programme for children aged up to two years, workshops on health and parenthood, and access to a local support network of mothers.
Customised reading packages and workshops cater for the pregnancy period, the postnatal period, and a child’s early years. The programme offers books chosen by QNL experts, book discussion and networking events tailored to each participant, advice on topics ranging from breastfeeding to reading to toddlers, and complimentary Kulud Pharmacy products.
To register for the event, download the Education City app and sign up for 'Mommy to Be' at Oxygen Park (female-only access). Those attending must wear face masks and observe social distancing, and adhere to Ministry of Public Health's guidelines.
Launched in 2019 in partnership with the then Ministry of Culture and Sports, and building on the success of QF’s National Reading Campaign, Qatar Reads aims to create a nationwide community of readers and knowledge-seekers, promoting the value that reading brings and the opportunities for discovery it opens up.