Marquette County community baby shower experiences record attendance

Most baby showers are held by family, friends or co-workers, but Marquette County decided to do things a bit differently. Health officials held their 19th annual community baby shower and we were there, dribble, diapers and all.

More than 80 moms showed up for the community baby shower. For the first time, dads even joined in. Other family members were also in attendance for their largest event to date. A specially designed logo for the gift bags was created by an NMU student. Hoards of food, prizes and presents had everyone chomping at the bit.

“Every year, people knit and sew and craft and donate their time and funds to this exciting event,” Early Head Start manager Barbie Dupras said.

Although rewarding, experts say the first few weeks of motherhood can be challenging. New moms don’t always know what to do and where to go for assistance.

“We got to hear how to take care of our children, how to make healthy foods, so it’s a really good event and the plus is that you get to win some really great prizes,” new mom Shawndell Jones-Smith said.

“They are giving away a lot of nice stuff,” recent mom Christina Bradbury said. “It’s still really hard to get out and socialize after having a newborn.  I found out they have a lot of good programs, the YMCA and through WIC they have a car seat program.”

“What I really like about this event is how the community comes together to benefit its youngest citizens, its tiniest most vulnerable little tiny citizens,” Dupras added.

Care services from all over Marquette County were on hand to answer questions and dispense information.