A baby shower was held for pregnant inmates of Rikers Island and those women inmates who have young children. New York city First Lady Chirlane McCray led the baby shower, which was held at the Rose M. Singer Center.
Fox 5 New York reported that McCray hosted 50 female inmates and detainees. These women were reportedly the mothers of 90 children. The baby shower served as a reunion between the mothers and their children.
First Lady Chirlane McCray hosts shower for pregnant Rikers inmates to stress importance of reading, https://t.co/OO8cYPXJAD
— New York News (@news_in_nyc) June 21, 2016
Baby Shower Part Of Campaign
"The First Lady is participating in baby showers for parents across the city to highlight the importance of reading and talking to babies and toddlers to improve brain development and strengthen emotional bonds," said New York City Hall spokeswoman Erin White said of the baby shower, as quoted by New York Daily News. McCray also presented the children with diapers and books.
The baby shower is said to be a component of the Talk to Your Baby campaign. The campaign encourages parents to talk, read and sing to their babies from the day they were born in order to facilitate language learning, brain development and the attachment between parents and children.
Community Baby Showers
The government is also hosting baby showers for moms in need elsewhere in the United States. Healthy Start, a government initiative in San Antonio, is hosting baby showers for mothers who are in need.
"It's really a way to celebrate, have the community come together, pregnant moms with other pregnant moms, and get the resources that they need to give that baby a healthy start," said neighborhood engagement supervisor Vanessa Rodriguez, as quoted by KENS 5. Baby showers by Healthy Start include food, games and gifts. Pregnant mothers are also given information on community resources and prenatal care.
What would be good activities in a baby shower? Write your comments below.
