Celebrating New Beginnings: A Special Baby Shower for Women Veterans at the Houston VA
By Maureen Dyman, Communications Director
In a morning filled with camaraderie and community support, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center hosted their 10th Annual Women Veteran Baby Shower last week.
Forty-one pregnant women Veterans were honored at this special event, organized by the Houston VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE), in collaboration with community partners and volunteers, all dedicated to recognizing the service of these remarkable women.
The atmosphere at the baby shower was filled with laughter and joy as each expecting mother received essential items like diapers, wipes, and a specially curated Littlest Patriot Diaper Bag tailored to their needs. Among the highlights of the shower were exciting raffles, where Veterans took home large baskets brimming with infant necessities and personal care items aimed at making their transition into motherhood a little smoother.
The mothers-to-be also received tips on infant CPR as well as information on a number of VA resources and benefits. The generosity of community partners, including Texas Children’s Hospital, EOS, UpLift, and Bay Area Turning Point, added a vibrant touch to the event, with lots of volunteers on site to meet the women Veterans and show their support.
Kamitria Ballard, a Navy Veteran pregnant with her fourth daughter, was thrilled to be in attendance at the shower.
“I was incredibly impressed with this event," she said. "The support and gifts were overwhelming. The classes on infant CPR were especially helpful; I learned so much!” Her radiant smile reflected the gratitude shared by many as they left the event, feeling empowered and supported.
Another expectant mother, Marine Veteran Peyton Cortes, shared similar sentiments. Expecting her first baby, a girl, on Christmas Day, she shared, “I’ve been a VA patient for three years, and I’m so thankful for the services offered…most especially for my awesome maternity care coordinator who is there for me whenever I need her. This shower has been a wonderful experience all the way around.”
Shelita Magee, Houston VA CDCE director, said the Houston VA is committed to going above and beyond to honor Veterans with events like the baby shower.
“We are committed to supporting our women Veterans through their pregnancies,” she said. “It’s vital that we provide them with resources and a sense of community during this special time in their lives. Their service deserves our utmost respect and dedication.”
As the baby shower drew to a close, the spirit of unity and celebration lingered, with the women Veterans bonding with their fellow Veterans, exchanging phone numbers and posing for photos together. With the promise of new beginnings (and babies!) on the horizon, the Houston VA Medical Center's baby shower not only celebrated motherhood but also reinforced the bonds of friendship and support among those who have served.
Special thanks to all the community partners who supported the baby shower, including
- Texas Children’s Hospital - Injury Prevention
- Texas Children’s Health Plan
- UpLift and UpWords at Texas Children’s Hospital
- Texas DSHS (Department of State Health Services) Public Health Region 6/5 South
- Bay Area Turning Point
- S.H.E. Sisters Healing & Elevating
Connect with a Houston VA Women Veterans Program Coordinator: