PAOLI – Expecting a baby or already a parent of little ones? Mark your calendars for the Orange County Community Baby Shower on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at the Orange County Community Center, located at 1075 Sandy Hook Road in Paoli, and promises to be an exciting and educational day for parents, parents-to-be, and caregivers in the community.
Organized by IU Health Paoli Hospital, the event aims to provide valuable resources and information to expectant and new parents, focusing on maternal and child safety. The day will feature walk-in educational sessions, community resources, and hands-on demonstrations to help families feel more confident and prepared for their parenting journey.
Educational Classes and Resources
Whitney Zapien, a registered nurse and clinical manager at IU Health Paoli Hospital, shares that the event is designed to be both fun and informative. “We want to create a space where parents and parents-to-be can come together to learn, ask questions, and connect with important community resources that support maternal and child safety,” Zapien explains.
Walk-in classes will cover essential topics for new parents, including:
- Breastfeeding Basics
- Labor and Delivery Preparation
- Safe Sleep Practices
- Postpartum Emotions and Wellness
In addition to these informative classes, there will be two special services available at the event for parents to take part in:
- Car Seat Clinic: Experts will be on hand to check car seats and ensure they are correctly installed for safety. This service is available on a first-come, first-served basis but requires pre-registration.
- Hands-Only CPR: Learn the life-saving technique of hands-on CPR in a short, hands-on session. Pre-registration is also required for this offering.
Parents are encouraged to register to ensure space for the Car Seat Clinic or Hands-Only CPR session.
The Orange County Community Baby Shower is part of IU Health Paoli Hospital’s ongoing efforts to support local families and ensure they can access the resources they need to care for themselves and their children. The hospital’s community outreach initiatives aim to improve maternal and child health by providing access to education, healthcare, and safety information.