Lourdes hospital rolled out the red carpet for expectant mothers, offering the women information on services and products for before and after childbirth at its Saturday Baby Fest.

Suzanne Farmer, public relations coordinator at Lourdes, said expectant mothers and families could tour the Little Miracles Birthing Center to see a comfortable, home-like environment for delivery. Women also had an opportunity to meet obstetricians, nurses and other staff members involved with pre- and post-delivery care. The hospital offered information on nutrition, breastfeeding, infant CPR, dental care and dealing with siblings. The Paducah Fire Department informed fair-goers about its program to safely install child seats in cars.

“A lot of women are having their first baby and have some unanswered questions,” Farmer said. “The purpose of the fair is to put mothers at ease by talking to doctors and nurses.”

Obstetrical nurse Jessi Dugan said she is expecting her third child Aug. 7, and was happy to answer questions women had about their pregnancy.

“Just because someone had a certain experience while pregnant doesn’t mean it will be the same for another woman,” Dugan said. “We’re here to let women know all pregnancies are different and they can talk to us or a doctor about what they are going through and answer questions to make their pregnancy the best experience possible.”

Although Heather Rambo of Paducah is due to deliver her first child — a daughter, Kinley Elizabeth, on Saturday — she attended the Baby Fest.

“I learned a lot about C-sections,” Rambo said. “I don’t know if I need one, but I probably will because she is so big. She weighs 7 pounds, 13 ounces now.”

Heather Farris, on her fifth pregnancy, said she is due in November. She came away with information on the birthing center, pediatric groups, car seat installation and some literature about services provided at Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville. Like many women, she left the fair carrying off free gifts.

“I have a travel bag, thermos, diapers and wipes, coupons, a backpack for infants and all kinds of goodies,” Farris said.

Contact Alan Reed, a Paducah Sun staff writer, at 270-575-8658.