Activities & Events

Healthy Baby Showers

Pregnant? You are invited to a party in your honor. When you register for this “Healthy Baby Shower,” you will be showered with information about super pregnancy nutrition, local community resources, and how to support your baby’s brain development. After participating in a lively discussion and completing a quick survey, you (or a friend you choose) will pick up a backpack/diaper bag filled with baby supplies, such as a digital thermometer, diapers, baby wipes, a baby blanket, a baby bath kit, and more ($100 value).

ENGLISH-SPEAKING SHOWER: Cassie Odland, odlandc@iastate.edu, 515-957-5794
DOWNLOAD ENGLISH-SPEAKERS PACKET

SPANISH-SPEAKING SHOWER: Rosa Gonzalez, rdegonza@iastate.edu, 515-490-2298
DOWNLOAD SPANISH-SPEAKERS PACKET

Upcoming Healthy Baby Showers

Both the English and Spanish showers will be held from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM :

Wednesday, November 20, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Wednesday, May 14, 205
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 – An in-person event for both English- and Spanish-speaking parents at the Mickle Center, 1620 Pleasant Street in Des Moines
Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Showers are held in partnership with Polk County Extension for pregnant women and their husbands, partners and interpreters. Experts share information on making healthy choices, nutritional needs, and foods to avoid while pregnant. When held at a Des Moines location, healthy foods are served and attendees receive a baby backpack filled with useful infant items ($100 value). Showers accommodate both English and Spanish speakers in alternate scheduling. Participants must reside in Polk County.

Shower Backpack & Healthy Baby Items Underwritten by Polk County.
Mochila para la ducha y Healthy Baby para bebés respaldados por el condado de Polk

Supported by Nutrition 4 Young Children, ACEs 360, City of Des Moines Housing Services, Count the Kicks Des Moines Public Library, EveryStep, Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Polk County, Lutheran Services in Iowa, Mary’s Helping Hands, MercyOne/Doula What You Love, Polk County, Polk County Early Childhood Iowa, P.S Writes, Primary Health Care, TS Media, WIC and other people who understand that the work you do as a parent is very important.