Coffee Morning with Essex Babylab

Essex Babylab invites parents, parents-to-be and babies to a friendly session over coffee where we share research insights and practical tips with them to facilitate positive baby development.

Join Dr Jess Leov and guest speaker Emma Shaw (StartStrong Fitness) as we explore how mother’s brain and body go through changes during pregnancy (and beyond).

Coffee Morning with Essex Babylab

‘Motherhood Rewired: Brain and Body changes in pregnancy (and beyond)’

📅 Thursday 29th January 2026

⏰ 10:00 – 11:30 AM

📍 At Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub (CO4 3GS)

Jess is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Essex Babylab. Her PhD research investigated sensory development in the womb, focusing on fetal visual perception. Jess's curiosity about how babies use their senses to understand the world underpins her current work, which explores how multisensory experiences shape early development.

Emma is the founder and CEO of StartStrong Fitness. As a dedicated personal trainer and specialist in pre & post natal fitness, Emma is passionate about empowering individuals both physically and mentally.

Start Strong Fitness provides free exercise classes for parents with the central mission of ensuring no one navigates the journey of parenthood alone. As a mum herself, Emma combines her professional expertise with the lived understanding of the challenges parents face. Through Start Strong Fitness, Emma has built a supportive community that promotes health, confidence, and meaningful connections.

Book your FREE ticket today and join us on Thursday 29th January 2026!

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Host or Publisher University of Essex Babylab