Baby shower a celebration of strength

Army Veteran Samantha Hoving (pictured above) was one of 49 women Veterans showered with love, gifts and support at Houston VA's ninth annual Veteran baby shower in early October. Hoving, pregnant with baby number five, was thrilled to participate in the event.

The baby shower was aimed at honoring women Veteran mothers-to-be in their third trimester by offering them essential newborn item donations and various VA and community resources. The event included lots of laughter, fun, refreshments and games.

"As a mom of four, soon to be five kiddos, I never thought I would have something like this for this baby. VA made this pregnancy feel like it's just as special as me having my first, which it truly is. I left the shower feeling so extremely blessed and thankful," Hoving said.

"It was our pleasure to celebrate not only the upcoming arrivals of these new babies but also the incredible strength and resilience of these women who served our country," said Shelita Magee, Civic Engagement Department, who coordinated the shower. "It is truly our pleasure to give back to our women Veterans and support them as they navigate the new challenges of motherhood."

Michael E. DeBakey VA in Houston cares for more than 131,000 Veterans and continues to grow in number of patients. The medical center has created numerous programs and services tailored for women Veterans which are the fastest growing population of Veterans registering for health care at the medical center.

"The average age of our women Veteran patients is 41 compared to the average age of male Veteran patients which is 65," said Dr. Deleene Menefee, Women Veterans Program manager. "We have expanded our services enormously and come a long way in serving women Veterans. Our VA has worked hard to create a culture that celebrates women Veterans and all of their unique experiences like childbirth."

Numerous members of the community and Veteran supporters donated baby presents and other gifts for the baby shower attendees who also learned infant CPR and received valuable information about safe sleep practices, breastfeeding and more.

"Our goal was to make the baby shower a day of joy, connection and empowerment," Magee said. "It was great to see the Veterans getting to know each other and celebrating with other mothers who share that military bond."