Nearly 80 families and more than 150 children enjoyed a community baby shower hosted by the Caroline County Health Department on October 28. The event provided new and expectant mothers in Caroline County resources and expert advice, as well as giveaways of baby essentials.
“Having a baby can be overwhelming,” said the Health Department’s Director of Nursing Holly Trice. “Our community baby shower gives moms the chance to get lots of helpful information in a welcoming environment. Our goal is to make sure they leave feeling better equipped to be the best parents they can be and know where to turn if they need some extra support.”
Those attending the baby shower learned how to have healthy pregnancies, important tips for safe sleep, breastfeeding information and support, and how to foster their child’s development and learning. Demonstrations of infant and child CPR were also provided. Giveaways included pack and plays, grow with me car seats, infant seat/stroller combo, infant swing, portable cribs, breastfeeding pumps, diapers bags, educational toys, and bath time, sleep time, bottle feeding, breast feeding, and play time kits. Each agency participating also had a variety of giveaways tailored to families with infants and toddlers.
Nearly all of those attending were either pregnant or had children under the age of two. Program sponsors worked to provide transportation so that families throughout the county could attend. Information was also provided in Spanish and Haitian Creole in order to make the event accessible to all Caroline County families.
“We really appreciate all the families that came out for the shower,” said Trice. “Everyone had a great time and our teams really enjoyed connecting with each family.”
The Health Department plans to host another community baby shower next year. Check the events calendar on their website at www.carolinehd.org or follow the Caroline County Health Department on Facebook and Instagram.
The event was co-sponsored by Mid-Shore WIC, Caroline Judy Center, Maryland Rural Development Corporation, Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Babies Born Healthy Program.
In addition to the event sponsors, resources and information were provided by Choptank Community Health, Shore Regional Health birthing center, the Maryland Infants and Toddlers program, Gentle Touches birthing doula, Aetna Better Health, and Caroline County Public Schools, Library, Social Services, and Emergency Services. The Health Department’s lead exposure prevention, family planning, and vaccines for children programs also participated in the event. The Goldsboro Fire Company generously donated the use of their hall for the baby shower.
