Many first-time mothers do not know what to expect when it comes to prenatal care or the first 12 months after birth.
Some mothers worry that they will not do the correct thing because of the uncertainty that comes with the title -- motherhood.
But with the help of Mom's Shower, expectant mothers and those who have children younger than 1 can enjoy an afternoon out and receive information in a fun atmosphere.
Mom's Shower is an event sponsored by Westmoreland County Cooperative Extension and is a collaboration of 14 health and child-service providers in the Alle-Kiski Valley.
"Westmoreland Cooperative Extension staff is aware that folks in the Alle-Kiski area often feel that they are not fully served," says Vickie Oles, extension educator with the extension service. "The goal of the event is to provide a friendly and fun atmosphere in which to share information about resources available to women on maternity, nutrition, child care and clean air for healthy-children issues."
Mom's Shower has taken place at Latrobe Memorial Hospital and Mercy Hospital in Jeannette consecutivelythe past two years. Because of the distance Valley mothers would have to travel, the shower has been inaccessible to them.
"Westmoreland Cooperative Extension ... made contact with Lynne Rugh, director of Citizens (General Hospital) Nursing School to explore bringing this event to New Kensington," Oles says. "She was enthusiastic and knew exactly which area agencies could provide services to women and invited them to a planning meeting."
Mothers will be able to participate in a scavenger hunt and play healthy-baby bingo. Door prizes also will be given by service providers, along with gift certificates and children's outfits as part of Westmoreland County Cooperative Extension's baskets.
No shower is complete without table favors.
"Baby food, infant T-shirts, carry bags and Bath and Body Works lotion are among favors attendees will receive," she adds.
Five-minute massages also will be available.
"We want to do something nice for moms, to tell them how important we think they are, and to give useful information in a fun atmosphere," Oles says. "Moms often forget to take time to be nice to themselves in the midst of taking care of family and home, so we want to do that for them."
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