Expecting mothers find comaraderie at 10th annual shower
Tiffany Beeson of Uniontown is expecting her first baby in August, so the 10th annual Fayette County Moms’ Shower proved to be a good place for her to be. “I find it a good experience for me because, more or less, I have no clue what I’m doing,’ said Beeson. “… It’s a learning experience for me.’
The Fayette County Moms’ Shower Committee hosted the event Thursday in the Williams Building at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, located north of Uniontown.
“We have 200 women registered and we have 38 local agencies participating,’ said Sandy Baugh of Communities in Schools’ Pregnant and Parenting Teen Program and a member of the Moms’ Shower Committee. “We have a very nice turnout.’
Any woman having a baby in 2007 was welcome to attend the shower. There were no age or income guidelines. The idea behind the shower was to provide an educational and fun experience for mothers, who were treated to a healthy lunch, educational talks and the agency fair as well as free gifts. A variety of donors also contributed to the function, including local businesses, church and school groups.
Dana Kendrick, an economic development specialist for Fay-Penn Economic Development Council, is expecting her second baby in September and decided to take a day off to treat herself. Previously, Kendrick was employed at the Crime Victim’s Center of Fayette County and worked some of the earlier Moms’ Showers.
“There are women here of all ages, all income levels, all diversities – it’s a very nice mix,’ Kendrick said. “There are a lot of young mothers but there are a lot of second-time, third-time mothers. You can find out the most recent information on car safety seats, breastfeeding measures and also whether there are any new OB/GYNs who you’re not familiar with or any new pediatricians who you’re not familiar with and programs for children.’
Many of the women found out about the Moms’ Shower from their obstetricians.
Christina Shroyer of Smock, who is expecting a baby in July, said, “I came to see what it’s all about. My doctor told me about it.’
Jamie Patterson of Uniontown is expecting a baby this month and said, “I came to get feedback from other mothers and to learn from their experiences.’
Helen Bente of Connellsville, who is expecting her baby in November, said, “This is amazing that Fayette County is presenting something for women who are pregnant. … I really like that.’
The mothers visited an agency fair where they collected information as well as small gifts such as pencils, tablets, baby wipes and bibs. Members of the New Meadow Run Bruderhof gave away homemade loaves of bread and later served the grilled chicken salad and lemonade lunch catered by Hartsek.
Fayette County Area Vocational-Technical School provided cakes for dessert. At the end of the day, the mothers received larger baby gifts provided by the agencies and distributed to the mothers through a drawing.
Members of the participating agencies enjoyed the Moms’ Shower as much as the mothers.
“It’s nice the moms can come and get lots of stuff and have a meal,’ said Lorena Johnson of New Meadow Run Bruderhof, which was participating for the fourth year.
“I think it’s really nice for them to get to know about the pediatric office, and we enjoy coming,’ said Regina Ferland, medical assistant for Laurel Pediatrics, who came with nurse Gina Shetler.
State police trooper Brian Burden distributed information on car safety seats.
“This is my second shower and I think it’s a very great thing because we’re letting new mothers know about car safety seats and the law. Between 80 and 90 percent of car seats are put in wrong. It’s good to have them checked,’ he said, recommending parents visit the Web site safekids.org for more information.
Audra Casino of Unison Health Plan has been participating in the Moms’ Shower for at least five years.
She worked at a table with members of Fayette County Children and Youth Services, including Debbie Hager-Pyle, who has been at four showers, and Rhonda Bogus, who was at her first.
Bogus said, “I think it’s nice that all these services are here. You don’t always know about them, and it’s one place where everyone can come and learn what agencies are out there.’
Kate Bryan and Nancy Kowalczyk are involved with the proposed Uniontown crisis pregnancy center and came to the agency fair for information.
“We came to meet people and find out what these agencies do,’ said Bryan. “We hope to work with these agencies.’
Speakers after lunch included Dr. Anneke Maendel whose talk on first aid leaned towards prevention.
She spoke about car safety, guns and firearms in the home, burns, drowning, choking, poisoning and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Maendel spoke gently, giving sound, commonsense advice and noted, “Little children don’t have the sense of danger that we have as adults.’
State police Cpl. Joseph D’Andrea spoke about car safety seats and the law.
He said, “You are responsible for your child’s safety. … You are the ultimate protector of your child.’
Dr. Elaine Barry talked about stress for mothers, including lack of sleep, crying and sick babies.
She suggested ways to relieve stress, including sleeping when the baby sleeps, building self-confidence through knowledge by reading books on child-care and talking to people, and having someone come in and help with chores or providing food whenever possible.
And, “Don’t underestimate the power of a bubble bath,’ she said, smiling.