A Village of Support: CANI Hosts Second Community Baby Shower of the Year

Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI) hosted its second Community Baby Shower of the year on February 21 at Gino’s Steakhouse, bringing together expectant mothers for a day of support, education, and community connection. The event provided mothers with access to valuable resources, a shared meal, and free gifts for both mom and baby while continuing CANI’s work to address maternal and infant health disparities in Northwest Indiana.

The event was organized through CANI’s LUV Mom Project, a program focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes by connecting expectant parents with resources, education, and supportive services. One of the program’s key offerings is free doula support, where trained professionals provide emotional support, physical comfort, and guidance before, during, and after birth. The program’s overall goal is to help reduce infant mortality and ensure mothers have the support they need throughout pregnancy and beyond.

“Through our LUV Moms program, our baby showers reflect what’s possible when a caring community comes together to surround expectant moms with resources, connection, and the clear message that they are valued and not alone,” said Tracy Lewis, CEO of CANI.

For many attendees, the event provided both valuable information and a sense of connection with other mothers.

Natalie Delgabo, who is six months pregnant, learned about the event through her aunt. Although she describes herself as an introvert, she brought her sister along for support and even requested time off work to attend.

“I wanted advice on preparing for labor and what comes after the baby, like Medicaid,” Delgabo said. “A lot of people give advice, but sometimes I need to write it down or it doesn’t register.”

Delgabo shared that stepping outside of her comfort zone allowed her to seek guidance from both other mothers and healthcare professionals.

“A lot of people share their experiences, but I also wanted advice from the caretakers,” she said.

Being surrounded by other expectant mothers also created a sense of shared understanding.

“We all feel the same experiences—feeling every kick, feeling uncomfortable sitting too long, having certain cravings—and realizing that not everyone is going through it alone,” she said.

Deaira Richardson, who is 26 weeks pregnant with her second child, also attended the event after first seeing information about community baby showers on TikTok before finding CANI’s event on Facebook.

Richardson described the event as informative and appreciated the opportunity to connect with other mothers.

“It was cool seeing how many moms came out and getting as much information as I did,” Richardson said.

She also enjoyed meeting other attendees.

“It was good interacting with them,” she said. “Everybody has different personalities. The people at my table were really funny, so it was a great experience.”

CANI also partnered with several community organizations to ensure mothers received important health information and resources. Representatives shared information on topics including safe sleep practices, postpartum depression, Count the Kicks, Centering Pregnancy, insurance navigation, and prenatal and preconception care.

Community partners included:

• Kimberly DeSantiago, Mental Health America (MHA)

• Margarita Muniz-Olson, NorthShore

• Nichelle Corley, HealthLinc

• Susan Marcek, Lake County Health Department – Health First Indiana

• LaToya Parhm, Methodist Hospitals

• Stephanie Martinez, Community HealthNet

Both mothers emphasized the value of attending community events like the baby shower.

Richardson encourages others to take advantage of opportunities to learn and connect.

Delgabo echoed that sentiment and encouraged other mothers to step outside their comfort zones.

“Don’t get me wrong, it does take a lot,” Delgabo said. “But once you step out of your comfort zone, you realize you’re not the only one doing it. Even if it’s just for an hour or two, you’ll be glad you came and glad you learned the information.”

CANI extends its sincere thanks to all the mothers and families who attended the event and wishes each expectant mother a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.

The organization also thanks its community partners whose support helped make the event possible.

The room was filled with laughter, encouragement, and shared experiences—reminding everyone present that no mother should have to navigate pregnancy alone.