Bellies, Babies and Beyond

Families across Davidson County are invited to Nissan Stadium on Saturday, March 28 for the Bellies, Babies and Beyond: A Celebration of Motherhood Community Education and Baby Shower event. The event, hosted by the Nashville Strong Babies initiative through the Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) and Meharry Medical College in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, combines community education and resources in a celebration of families and parenthood. Families who are expecting or have recently welcomed a baby into their lives are invited to the event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
"A healthier Nashville is one where all people can access what they need to be as healthy as they can be," said Dr. Sanmi Areola, Director of Health at the Metro Public Health Department. "This event is about ensuring parents and caregivers can get the resources they need to give Nashville babies a chance to start their lives strong and healthy."

General admission check-in begins at 12:30 p.m., with attendees receiving a welcome bag ahead of the event's 1 p.m. opening. Starting at 1 p.m., families will be invited to educational sessions about prenatal and postpartum topics, including education on breastfeeding, nutrition, preparing for childbirth and postpartum recovery. Attendees will be able to meet vendors and have time to stock up on essential items. Attendance at various sessions and vendors will allow attendees to receive stamps on a game card which can be exchanged for tickets to shop at the Shower Event Store and the Nashville Strong Babies store at the end of the event. The event is free, but pre-registration is recommended through BelliesBabies.Eventbrite.com. On-site registration will also be available.

"Building a culture of health requires a lot of support, and we at Nashville Strong Babies appreciate the power of collaboration and putting families first. We are grateful for all the sponsors and partners," said D'Yuanna Allen-Robb, MPH, Interim Population Health Bureau Director and creator of Nashville Strong Babies at MPHD. In addition to MPHD and Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville General Hospital, the New Life Center, the Tennessee Titans Foundation, Walmart, A Chance to Learn, Elevate Health and The Links Incorporated all played a role in Saturday's event.

"This event is such a wonderful Nashville tradition demonstrating our collective desire to make Nashville the best place to have and raise a family where all mothers have the information they need to make the health decisions most appropriate for their families.", said Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, MD, MPH, young adult and pediatric provider and NSB lead at Meharry Medical College.

"The mother is the heart of the family and the community. We look forward to honoring the courage and beauty of motherhood and surrounding the entire family with the village to help families thrive!" said Rolanda Lister, MD, Associate Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Attendees are invited to park free of charge in Lot H, between Nissan Stadium and the Cumberland River. Signage will direct families to the shower's location. Event attendees are required to follow the Titans Stadium policies. The following are allowed: Strollers, diaper bags (clear bags preferred), clear plastic bottles/sippy cups, baby food and toddler snacks (no glass containers) and wipes.

The Nashville Strong Babies initiative is designed to help expecting families and families of newborn babies living in Davidson County to start their lives in the healthiest way. Support includes personalized prenatal care, in-home appointments, complimentary doula support services, personalized postpartum care and other services for mothers, fathers and the entire family. To learn more, visit NashvilleStrongBabies.gov.