In 2018, Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) held its first free community baby shower at Stafford Hospital as a way to introduce local families to the hospital’s maternity services. So, how did it become one of the region’s most anticipated events for new and expecting families? The answer is a reflection of both Mary Washington Healthcare’s steadfast mission and the community it serves.
Held again the next year, the community baby shower quickly established itself as a welcoming space for parents to connect with healthcare providers, learn about available services, and celebrate the journey into parenthood. Like many in-person events, however, it was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
YOU ARE INVITED
Mary Washington Healthcare Free Community Baby Shower, Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401; Register: babyshower.mwhc.com
When the event returned in 2022, it carried new energy and a deeper meaning. Families were eager to reconnect—and MWHC recognized the opportunity to rebuild those relationships. The revived baby shower at Stafford Hospital drew about 100 attendees and served as a reminder of the vital role that the community plays in supporting new parents.
The following year marked a turning point. Organizers expanded the event beyond Stafford Hospital to include the full breadth of MWHC services, as well as a growing list of community partners. The response was overwhelming. Hundreds of guests attended, and the event introduced practical, hands-on resources that families could immediately benefit from.
MWHC partnered with the Fredericksburg Police Department to conduct more than 50 car-seat safety checks. MWHC also awarded more than 40 raffle prizes, offering essential items and support to new and expecting parents.
Having outgrown its original space, the baby shower moved to the Fredericksburg Convention Center, a shift that signaled just how much the event had become a cornerstone for local families. More than 1,000 guests registered, and over 40 vendors participated, representing healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and national brands.
But beyond its size, what truly sets the event apart today is its focus on accessibility and inclusion. Last year, MWHC interpreters were embedded throughout the event, wearing “Hablo Español” buttons to make themselves easily identifiable, helping bridge communication gaps for those who speak English as a second language. In addition to Spanish, interpreters were available for Farsi, Dari, and Pashto.
For many attendees, this effort has been transformative. It means being able to ask questions, understand medical guidance, and engage fully with providers—often for the first time. And it underscores a core principle behind the baby shower’s growth—that true community care must be accessible to everyone.
The Free Community Baby Shower now stands as a collaborative effort between MWHC and a wide network of community partners, including the Virginia Department of Health, the YMCA, Fred Books, and the Fredericksburg Fire Department, among many others. Together, these partners provide a one-stop resource hub for families preparing to welcome a child.
In recent years, the event has also expanded its educational offerings to include short, expert-led sessions covering topics like safe-sleep practices, trauma prevention, labor and delivery tips, and the role of midwives. Attendees can also receive guidance on practical matters, such as how to file for a birth certificate or access essential healthcare services.
This year, the goal is simple but ambitious: Bring everything that a new or expecting family might need into one place. Visitors can expect even more education and opportunities for connection. They can find resources on maternal mental health, speak directly with an OB-GYN, connect with a doula, consult with a pediatric provider, and receive vaccinations like Tdap—all in a single visit.
“It takes a village to raise a child” is more than a saying. At the Free Community Baby Shower, it’s a guiding principle for MWHC and its partners. By creating a space where families can connect, learn, and feel supported, the organization is helping to build that village in real, meaningful ways.
As the event continues to evolve, MWHC’s commitment to the community remains constant. What began as a small introduction to maternity services has become a celebration of family, connection, and care—an annual reminder that no parent has to navigate the journey alone.
Editor’s note: This article was provided by Mary Washington Healthcare, a corporate sponsor of the Fredericksburg Free Press. As part of its continued partnership with MWHC, the Free Press will publish monthly public health awareness content on topics such as wellness, preventative care and the latest advancements in healthcare. Content has been edited for clarity and style by the editorial staff.
