More than 150 people attended a Community Baby Shower Oct. 3 at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee, including more than 100 new and expecting mothers and their family members, connecting families with resources, information, and support for a healthy start.
Hosted by Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Milwaukee, the event brought together more than two dozen community organizations and healthcare partners to provide families with information and connections to services that support maternal and infant health before, during, and after pregnancy.
Families had the opportunity to connect one-on-one with Ascension Wisconsin clinicians and community organizations, learn about available health and social services, and receive essential baby supplies. The event also featured refreshments, prize drawings, and gift bags filled with items for new babies.
“Supporting the health of moms and babies takes all of us,” said Dr. Jessica Hoelzle, Ascension Wisconsin OB-GYN. “This event brings care teams and community organizations together in one place so families can build connections and learn about resources that can support them throughout pregnancy and as they welcome a new baby. It’s a meaningful example of what we can accomplish when we work together to strengthen the health of our community.”
Many of the mothers who attended participate in Ascension Wisconsin’s Blanket of Love program, an initiative focused on supporting healthy pregnancies and births, addressing factors that contribute to infant mortality, and connecting families with resources that can help them thrive.
The Community Baby Shower reflects Ascension Wisconsin’s broader commitment to improving maternal health and reducing infant mortality. By connecting families with healthcare, education, and community-based resources, Ascension and its partners are working to break down barriers to care and help more mothers and babies in the Milwaukee community achieve healthier outcomes.
The event also provided an opportunity for community organizations to strengthen relationships and help families know where to turn for support.
“This event was a great way to meet people who could help answer my questions, and I’m excited to go home with so many baby supplies,” said expectant mother Kahliah Stone.
