A Warm IRC Welcome for Expecting Refugee Moms

There was tea on the counter, a sheet cake glistening with ‘baby’ decorations, and blue and pink balloons floating gently in the air. At first glance this looked like an average baby shower. But the sounds of the event revealed more—there was a buzz of interpreters speaking in five different languages. This was not a gathering for just one mother, but 22 expectant refugee mothers sharing the celebration of pregnancy across cultural divides.

On Saturday, May 15th the IRC hosted a Baby Shower for expecting mothers in the Pre and Post-natal program. Through the program, the mothers are assisted with everything from home visits to group support  and medical check-ups. This helps mothers navigate the U.S. medical system and starts their newborns off to a healthy start.

At the Baby Shower, IRC staff and community volunteers welcomed the expecting mothers and thanks to the generous support by the employees of Pearson Digital Learning, each mother was provided a “Baby Basket” full of essential items like diapers, clothes, receiving blankets, and developmental toys.  Each mother then got the opportunity to choose and additional item. Some chose Baby Bouncers, strollers, and bassinets and others went home with packs of 300 diapers.  If you are interested in supporting refugee mothers enrolled in the Pre and Post-Natal program, please email Rachel Aherin, Development Associate, or call 602.433.2440 ext. 231.