LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A local team of doulas, assistants who help and care for expectant mothers through pregnancy, hosted a special community baby shower in Lansing on Saturday.
Hundreds gathered at the Cadillac Room in Lansing to stock up on diapers, clothing, formula and other necessities.
North Star Birthing Services is a group that provides education, physical and emotional support during birth and postpartum services for women of color who are expectant mothers in the Lansing and Ingham County area.
Doulas Sharde’ Burton and Domonique Brace said they started North Star Birthing Services to help amplify the voices of birthing persons.
Saturday’s event was held to support mothers who are most at risk for poor health outcomes in maternal and infant health and to celebrate expectant parents from marginalized backgrounds.
“I think it’s just great to have the pouring in and support of the community, as well as for first-time moms and African American moms and getting those networks and resources out there for them,” said Cirea Strode, who attended the event. “I didn’t have that support with my first daughter, so it feels extremely great to have that community and know what it is that you need.”
Attendees were connected with community resources and education and advocacy resources to help ensure that their family thrives beyond the birthing process.
“We want to encourage them in their birth journey,” Burton said in a press release.
Learn more about North Star Birthing Services at northstardoulas.com.
