Local families can attend the baby shower. Courtesy | Facebook
A community baby shower will be held for expecting Hillsdale County parents on May 18 at Hillsdale High School from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“We have a lot of moms who don’t get a baby shower,” said Stefanie Rathburn, director of Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative. “It’s intended for anybody in the county who is expecting or who has a baby.”
The event will be hosted by Hillsdale County Great Start Collaborative, an organization that provides resources to assist families with children prenatal through third grade.
Rathburn said they hold the baby shower every other year to provide parents and caregivers with support and free resources on pregnancy and infancy. Approximately 25 community agencies are expected to be present at the baby shower, including Hillsdale Hospital and Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center. Brief presentations will be given to help educate families on current topics relating to pregnancy and infancy.
Local mother Rachael Johnson attended the baby shower for the first time six years ago and said the event was greatly appreciated by her and her family.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was a blessing all around,” Johnson said. “I was getting ready to have my third baby, so going into that, starting maternity leave, and being the sole provider for our family at that time, having a few extra things that I didn’t have to worry about purchasing financially was a relief to me.”
According to Rathburn, every attendee will receive a free door prize and swag bag with supplies, including diapers, with special swag bags for the fathers who also attend the event. Complimentary Pack ‘n Plays will also be provided for every family at the baby shower. Johnson said she enjoyed being with a community of other supportive moms.
“It was just nice to see us all come together in one place and to know that there is a community of moms in this area,” she said.
Registration for the event will open mid to late March with more details at greatstarthillsdale.com.
