Brownsville
Sending bunches of thanks to the East Flatbush community, the Brooklyn Perinatal Network Birthing Project, and Christopher Rose for hosting one heck of a community baby shower on Sept. 29.
The event raised awareness of the high infant mortality rates in Central Brooklyn by treating moms-to-be to the third “Shower2Empower” baby fest held at the Wyckoff House Museum in East Flatbush.
The almost 200 pregnant women and new parents in attendance received a personalized bag stuffed with baby essentials, and participated in health, financial, and educational workshops in partnership with local organizations.
Workshops introduced the prospective parents to relaxation techniques, fitness, birth spacing, financial literacy, and doula services. Parents interested in follow-up services were matched with volunteers or received onsite referrals.
“It is so important to engage women early and provide emotional support through post-partum,” said Xamayla Rose, Christopher Rose Community Empowerment Campaign. Adding, “The shower is a resource-rich, non-judgmental, supportive environment. It’s not just talk; we help moms and dads meet their immediate needs to ensure a healthy birth.”
The event was co-sponsored by generous storks, including Bedstuy Community Partnership, St. Augustine’s Church Special Projects Ministry, Caribbean Women’s Health Association, New York City Department of Health, Thrive NYC, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, Nurse Family Partnership, CAMBA, Brookdale Healthy, Families, Flatbush Doulas, IbiOp Birth options, UPK, Brownsville Child Development Center, and Caribbean American Social Workers Association, as well as in part by Borough President Adams, state Sen. Roxanne Persaud (D–Flatbush), Assemblywoman Jaime Williams (D–Canarsie), Councilman Jumaane Williams (D–Flatbush), St. Augustine’s Church, Mt. Pisgah Church, and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The Brooklyn Perinatal Network Birthing Project [259 Bristol St. in Brownsville, (718) 643–8258; www.bpnet
