Luv Mom Project Hosts Community Baby Shower to Support Expectant Families in Lake County

Despite the snowy reality of late January in Northwest Indiana, Community Advocates of Northern Indiana (CANI) brought together expectant parents for a Community Baby Shower designed to equip families with the tools, resources, and support needed for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

The event welcomed expectant parents from across Lake County—including Highland, Merrillville, and East Chicago—and provided an afternoon of fellowship, educational resources, games, gifts, and food. Hosted at Gino’s Steakhouse in Merrillville, the gathering created a warm and welcoming space where families could connect not only with vital information, but with one another.

“The goal of the Community Advocates’ Community Baby Shower is to address the ongoing maternal and infant health challenges in Lake County,” said Tracy Lewis, CEO of CANI. “Through our Luv Mom Project, these 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.”

According to the Lake County Health Department, Lake County continues to face one of the highest infant mortality rates in the state. More than 10% of pregnant women report tobacco use during pregnancy, placing infants at higher risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). CANI’s Luv Mom Project works to address these disparities by providing education, free doula services, and access to trusted community resources that support both maternal and infant health.

Attendees emphasized the importance of the information shared throughout the event. Jus, a mother of two currently 19 weeks pregnant, attended alongside her sister, Jamilah Crenshaw, who is expecting her fourth child.

“When asked about their biggest takeaway, both emphasized the importance of safe sleep practices.”

“Because I am one of those people that likes to sleep with my kids, so I need to learn not to do it,” Crenshaw shared.

“All the information they were passing out—safe sleep, substance use—some moms think it’s okay to smoke, but I don’t think that’s okay,” Jus added. “You could develop a low birth weight baby. A girl we were sitting with said, ‘I didn’t know that,’ so a lot of the information they were telling us was really good information.”

Sayo Sameshima, a mother of one who is eight months pregnant, learned about the event through CANI’s Facebook page. She highlighted both the practical and emotional value of attending. “It’s important to use what’s out there for you.” Sameshima explained. She also expressed interest in learning more about CANI’s doula services and educational programs.

The event was made possible through the support of community partners who shared resources related to safe sleep, postpartum depression, prenatal care, insurance navigation, and maternal wellness. Participating partners included Mental Health America, NorthShore Health Centers, HealthLinc, Lake County Health Department, Methodist Hospitals, and Community Health Net.

The room was filled with warmth, laughter, and connection as expectant parents supported one another and built relationships with organizations dedicated to their well-being. CANI remains committed to ensuring healthy moms and healthy babies by continuing to educate, empower, and support families throughout Northwest Indiana through the Luv Mom Project.