Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network to host free community baby shower and childbirth education event at Bristol Regional Medical Center

Expecting parents and growing families are invited to attend Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network’s free Community Baby Shower on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. Attendees should enter through the main entrance of Bristol Regional Medical Center, where they will be greeted by a Strong Starts team member. Families can celebrate, learn and prepare for the arrival of their newest family member while connecting with local resources. The event is hosted by Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network’s Strong Starts program in partnership with the Baby & Family Expo, Appalachian Promise Alliance and the YWCA.

The Community Baby Shower is designed to connect expectant parents with valuable resources, healthcare experts and community organizations that support healthy pregnancies and growing families. Attendees will have opportunities to meet Ballad Health Medical Associates pediatricians and OB/GYN care teams, tour the Deborah H. Quillen Family Birth Center at Bristol Regional Medical Center, learn about car seat safety and enter to win door prizes. BlueCare Tennessee will be providing light refreshments during the event.

“Supporting children begins long before they’re born,” said Chris Jett, CEO of Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network. “Through programs like Strong Starts and partnerships with organizations across our region, Ballad Health is investing in healthier pregnancies, healthier babies and stronger families. By connecting parents with education, healthcare providers and community resources early, we’re helping give every child the healthiest possible start in life. That’s an investment that benefits families and our communities for generations.”

The Community Baby Shower will be held in conjunction with Ballad Health’s free Marathon Childbirth Class, which takes place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The one-day class is designed for busy families who want comprehensive childbirth education in a single session. Participants will learn about:

• When to contact their healthcare provider
• The difference between true and false labor
• How to time contractions
• How to time contractions
• When to go to the hospital
• When to go to the hospital
• Pain management options, including epidural
• Cesarean birth
• Infant care, breastfeeding and more

“Every family deserves the opportunity for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy start for their baby,” said Emily Blanton, assistant vice president of child health programs at Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network. “Strong Starts is focused on improving maternal and infant health by connecting expectant parents with education, clinical care and community resources before their baby arrives. By working together with our community partners, we can help reduce barriers to care and support healthier outcomes for mothers and babies across our region.”

The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged for the Marathon Childbirth Class. Learn more about or register for the Marathon Childbirth Class.

Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network’s Strong Starts program offers free prenatal education, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding support and parenting classes throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, helping families build confidence and develop healthy habits before and after the arrival of their baby.