Event showers expectant mothers with gear

By Catherine Ross (Fort Carson)January 10, 2013

Event showers expectant mothers with gear
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT CARSON, Colo. -- A mass baby shower at The Hub Dec. 13 provided 25 expectant mothers with information, encouragement and baby gear.

"We're just here to honor you all, and we appreciate your sacrifice," KRDO news anchor Heather Skold told the mothers- and fathers-to-be attending "Operation Baby Shower."

"We recognize that with you moving here and there so often, as is your duty, a baby shower like this can often go overlooked," Skold said. "An event where you can celebrate with Family and friends, with you moving around so much, it's another sacrifice. We just wanted to acknowledge that here today."

The baby shower is part of the March of Dimes "Mission: Healthy Baby" program, which assists military Families through pregnancy and birth. "We are committed to helping military Families have stronger, healthier babies," said Southern Colorado March of Dimes Director Moyra Hower, detailing some of the resources that her organization provides to expectant mothers, such as newsletters and information online.

This is the second year Operation Baby Shower has been held on Fort Carson for first-time mothers, Soldiers or spouses, corporal and below.

"The majority (of those attending this year) have a deployed spouse right now," said Kristen Kea, Warrior Family Community Partnership manager.

Invitations to the event for soon-to-be first-time mothers were coordinated through Evans Army Community Hospital.

"As a military wife for 25 years, I know how difficult it is to be away from your Family," said Hower. "I had my son in England away from my mother and father, and I know it's difficult."

Even with 25 expectant mothers in attendance, the event included traditional baby shower games such as a version of "The Price is Right," with mothers guessing the prices of various baby necessities, and those coming closest to the actual prices winning baby gear.

"I want all of you moms to feel pampered and treasured," Hower said. "I don't want you to feel alone in your pregnancy and having your new baby."

Representatives from TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Army Community Service and EACH shared information resources available to the audience of future parents, and provided words of encouragement.

Each expectant mother received a gift box filled with essential baby items and a car seat, courtesy of The March of Dimes, and donations from TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Kmart.

"I'm excited about it," said Spc. Jennifer Thoman, 59th Military Police Company, 759th MP Battalion, who was surprised to get a phone call last month from the hospital inviting her to participate in the baby shower.

"They're giving us baby stuff, diapers, wipes, toys," said Yasheera Willis, whose husband is a Fort Carson Soldier.

Willis is due in January.

"It's very helpful," she said.