Expectant & Recent Mothers showered with Gifts

The guests of honor received gifted strollers, diapers, baby clothes, diaper bags, bathtubs, baby bedding and more. CDCE staff also led baby shower games and served lunch that was provided by generous donors.

“I am very thankful for this heartwarming shower,” said Marine Veteran Danielle Copeland who has a four-year-old son and is expecting another boy in November.  “It was so fun to meet and get to know all the other pregnant Veterans here.” 

VA baby showers provide mothers with essential baby items and help foster community connections with other parents and local services like the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC). Women also learn about maternity care and women specific services offered by VA.

“We want women to know that maternity care is covered by VA and is provided by non-VA providers in community facilities,” said Dr. Deleene Menefee, Houston VA Women Veterans program manager. “VA is also here to support you after your baby arrives with lactation, help for postpartum depression, parenting or relationship support. Please reach out to your health care team.”

The Houston VA baby shower would not have been possible without the generous donations from the American Red Cross, VFW & VFW Auxiliary, American Legion & American Legion Auxiliary, National Society | Daughters of the American Revolution, Tejano Veterans Association, Blue Star Moms, Military Order of the Cooties, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century and Helping Hands Ladies of Cypress.

“Events like a baby shower allow the VA and Veterans service organizations to honor our Veteran patients for their service and provide them with gifts and necessities,” Shelita Magee, chief, CDCE. “It’s also exciting to see the joy on each mother’s face as they embark on the journey of motherhood.”

To connect with a Women Veterans coordinator at Houston VA, please visit Women Veteran Care | VA Houston Health Care | Veterans Affairs.