A Shower of Love for Tuscaloosa’s Newest Families

Tuscaloosa was the home of the areas 2nd annual community baby shower where expecting families were showered with baby essentials, and surrounded by loving community organizations ready to pour into the families in attendance.

Separate from the traditional idea of a baby shower, a community baby shower is a collaborative effort where the community comes together to donate and offer support for families expecting a newborn.

Tuscaloosa's community baby shower was once again presented by Diamonds for Doulas, a non-profit dedicated to reducing health disparities through education and doula support during and after childbirth. They gave away new car seats, baby clothes, pack and plays and other infant necessities.

"We're happy with the turnout," said Crystina Hughes- Founder and Executive Director of Diamonds for Doulas.

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"We're excited to assist parents in their journey through education and giving them the baby essentials needed so that they can feel confident welcoming a new bundle of joy."

In total, there were 17 community organizations in attendance offering free services based on eligibility, giveaways and tons of useful information.

"We're always encouraging our families to be engaged with their babies," said  Jaime McKinney with Project Cradle Care.

"To read with their babies, minimize screen time and be an active participant in their child's development from an early age."

"Reading, listening, and hearing are going to lay the foundation for education later on in life," said Tamara Okafor, Vice President of the Epsilon Mu Sigma chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho who works with Project Cradle Care which is one of the organization's national programs.

"It's truly heartwarming to see community organizations come together and passionately serve families that are carrying the next generation of this Tuscaloosa community," said Jamilah Channel, Diamonds for Doulas Chief of Operations.

Diamonds For Doulas offers monthly childbirth education courses, pregnancy and infant loss support groups, breastfeeding and postpartum support groups and more for the community.

You can learn more about them here.