Bundles of Joy

Parenthood, especially in the early stages, can be overwhelming. Through a shared passion for supporting new parents and families during one of the most vulnerable and transformative times of life, three local professionals are hosting the first Wilmington Community Baby Shower on September 28.   

SARAH HESS, owner of Nurture Wellness PLLC, along with ALEX RICHARDSON, executive director of 4th Trimester Mission, and LOLITA BRYANT, nurse educator/nurse consultant, all hope the event supports and empowers parents, new parents, caregivers, and families in Wilmington and the community.  

“This event aims to ease the transition by offering expert advice on pregnancy, postpartum care and infant health,” Hess says. “It also connects families with local businesses and services, creating a network of support that can help them feel more confident and prepared. Additionally, the event fosters a sense of community, encouraging families to connect with others in similar life stages, which can be a vital source of emotional and social support.”  

This first-ever Wilmington Community Baby Shower has been years in the making. Bryant had the idea years ago. She shared her vision with Hess, who also has a passion for working with new and expectant mothers, and together they reached out to Richardson, who had like-minded views.   

Each of the three hosts brings a unique perspective to the event. Bryant’s expertise is in maternal and infant health. Hess’ focus is on the emotional and mental well-being of new mothers, and Richardson is a leader in postpartum care.  

“I wanted a name for our event that would instantly resonate with the local community while capturing the welcoming, celebratory spirit of a baby shower,” Bryant says. “The name reflects the event’s goal of supporting new and expecting parents just like a traditional baby shower.”  

Richardson hopes to provide support and education around perinatal health and motherhood to over 100 families at the baby shower. “There is a constant stream of new families coming to Wilmington, and this is a wonderful place to raise a family. This event will support families as they enter this stage of life,” Richardson says.  

“Access to health care is important and can be a concern for many families. There are parents who find it difficult to provide the basic needs for their newborns,” says Bryant, who, after forty years of providing care for new mothers as a labor and delivery nurse/coordinator at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, recently retired. “Hosting this community baby shower is another way to show love and support and give back to the mothers and families in the Wilmington community.”   

In addition to cake and refreshments, each mother who attends the baby shower will receive a gift bag with baby items and raffle tickets to win additional baby-related gifts.  

“We are excited and looking forward to this community baby shower becoming an annual event for the new mothers and families in the Wilmington community,” Bryant said. 

The Wilmington Community Baby Shower, sponsored by Novant Health, takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 28 at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Empowerment Center, 2929 Princess Place Drive.  

Participants are asked to register at donorbox.org/events/605643, but giveaways will be provided to any new mothers who attend while items are available.

To view more of photographer Aris Harding’s work, go to arisharding.com.

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