Car Seats and More Given Away At Tuscaloosa Community Baby Shower

The McDonald Hughes Center served as the location for Tuscaloosa's Community Baby Shower all put on by Diamonds For Doulas.

Diamonds for Doulas – a Black non-profit dedicated to reducing health disparities through education and doula support during and after childbirth – hosted their first community baby shower and they gave away new car seats, baby clothes, pack and plays and other infant necessities.

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The community baby shower's purpose was to "have a space for all the resources in the community can come together to show expecting families who they can turn to for support."

Jamilah Channel, Diamonds for Doula’s cofounder and Founder of Na'ima's Love said, "It’s also an opportunity to provide education on important topics that can make a difference in maternal health and the transition into parenthood."

Vendors at the proclaimed "BabyQue" included the Yellowhammer Fund, Birth Sanctuary, WAWC Healthcare, March of Dimes, SafeKids, Easter Seals, Health Brain and Child Development, and ROSE.

"I love the love we felt in at the baby shower," said Devin Allen who attended the baby shower with his wife. The couple is expecting the arrival of their baby this August.

"I was first there just because I knew we’re getting something from it. I saw that you all  really cared and wanted mothers and fathers to be prepared for motherhood and fatherhood."

"Genuine love is what I liked most about it. I bless God for you all," said Allen.

Families were able to receive free ultrasounds and discuss any ongoing concerns, answer questions about the post-partum period, and create wellness plans that includes contraceptive and preconception advice.

“Having a baby is a time to celebrate, and since you are bringing in a new person to our community, it just makes sense that our whole community be here to welcome them,” said Crystina Hughes, LPN at WAWC Healthcare, a certified DONA doula and co-founder of Diamonds for Doulas.

Diamonds For Doulas hosts free classes and support groups in Tuscaloosa.

They will soon host a breastfeeding celebration for breastfeeding awareness month on August 10th,. They will also continue their support groups and childbirth education classes every second Saturday and Sunday of the month. Held at 531 Jack Warner Park way Tuscaloosa AL 35401.

Childbirth education on Saturdays 11:00am-1:00pm

Support groups on Sundays
Breastfeeding support group 2:00-3:30pm
Infant pregnancy loss 4:00pm-5:30pm

Editors Note: The author of this article is married to Jamilah Channel, the Co-Founder of Diamond For Doulas