Metro East Sun

New and expectant mothers, along with their families, are invited to a holiday baby shower hosted by HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s Women and Infants Center. The event, named “Bundles for Babies,” will take place on Saturday, December 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the main lobby at 1 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., O’Fallon.

Amanda Schaefer, MSN, RN, nurse manager of the Women and Infants Center, emphasized the dual nature of parenthood: "Becoming a parent is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming." She added that they are proud to collaborate with the community in offering this comprehensive service event for mothers and families.

The event will feature educational resources covering various topics such as lactation services provided by St. Clair County's only milk dispensary; safe sleep practices; car seat safety; pain management options like epidurals; pelvic floor changes during pregnancy and delivery; and information about the obstetric emergency department (OB ED). Tours of the Women and Infants Center will start at noon for small groups.

“Our newest expansion of services includes becoming an obstetric emergency department for pregnant patients facing pregnancy concerns or a pregnancy- or postpartum-related medical emergency," Schaefer stated. "We are excited to share more about this advanced level of care with our community."

Attendees will have access to representatives from organizations including The Doula Lab, Heartland Women’s Healthcare, the Pregnancy Care Center, SLU Family Medicine, and Scott Air Force Base who will provide information about their services.

Each family attending will receive two raffle tickets for door prizes such as a car seat and portable crib. Additional tickets can be purchased for $1 each to support future events.

Children attending can participate in crafting activities while enjoying cookies and milk.

For further inquiries regarding “Bundles for Babies,” contact the Women and Infants Center at 618-234-2120 ext. 31260.