Adventist Health Ukiah Valley is partnering with local community organizations to hold a free Community Baby Shower for new families and expecting ones.
The event, open to all families with children 6 months and younger, as well as expecting families, will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 5-7 p.m., at the hospital’s Family Birth Center, located at 275 Hospital Drive in Ukiah.
Designed to provide support and resources for new and expecting families, the event will include tours of the Family Birth Center, meet and greets with the labor and delivery team, including nurses and providers from the hospital as well as other partners such as Mendocino Community Health Center’s Care for Her.
Community organizations that support young families and new parents will also be available to share resources such as First Five Mendocino, North Coast Opportunities Family Vision Center, Mendocino Doulas and more. There will be information on birthing classes, nutrition during and after pregnancy, baby safety and resources before and after delivery and beyond.
“We are thrilled to host this community baby shower and provide crucial support to families during this special time in their lives,” said Taff Cheneweth, RN and director of Adventist Health Ukiah Valley’s Family Birth Center. “It really takes a village to raise a child and with this event, we’re embracing our new families and showering them with the support they need for a great start so that our community can thrive.”
Car seat checks and child safety education will also be provided by the Mendocino Car Seat Coalition. Directions will be available for parking for those needing a car seat check/installation.
The event also includes a Diaper Drive and Giveaway and encourages anyone in the community to donate to the cause. Diapers are one of the biggest expenses for families. The average diaper costs anywhere from $0.20 to $0.30 and a baby will use an average of 2,500–3,000 diapers in their first year of life, so parents can expect to spend about $500-$900 on an annual supply. This doesn’t count the cost of other diapering supplies, such as wipes.
That’s why the Diaper Drive and Giveaway will be a great help for those in need. Those who can donate can bring diapers to the event or before the event by stopping by the Administration office at the hospital. Families in need can take some during the Community Baby Shower, while supplies last.
Participants can enjoy a variety of giveaways, resources, door prizes and the opportunity to connect with community and supporting networks.
For questions about the event, reach out to Cici Winiger, marketing and communications manager via email [email protected].
To learn more about Adventist Health Ukiah Valley’s Family Birth Center, visit, https://adventisthealth.org/ukiah-valley/services/family-birth-center/