Memorial Healthcare System and Memorial Foundation Host its 4th Annual Maternal Health Baby Shower

Nearly 200 expectant mothers and families gathered at Memorial Regional Hospital for a community-based maternal health event focused on improving outcomes for moms and babies across South Florida. Hosted by Memorial Healthcare System through the Memorial Foundation, the fourth annual Maternal Health Baby Shower connected families to care, education, and support systems that extend beyond the hospital.

The event brought together Memorial clinicians and community partners, including Healthy Start of Broward County, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, the Florida Department of Health, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank, the Healthy Start Doula Program, Team Dad, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward, and Memorial Healthcare System's Primary Care Maternal Health Program.

Attendees participated in hands-on education sessions covering safe infant sleep, car seat safety, infant CPR, and recognizing critical warning signs such as decreased fetal movement, gestational diabetes, and postpartum hemorrhage.

Infant CPR and safety training was delivered in partnership with Lauderhill Fire Rescue's Community Paramedicine Division, adding an emergency preparedness component for families.

"Memorial Healthcare System values the role of community partnerships in supporting patients and families," said Todra Anderson-Rhodes, MD, chief medical officer at Memorial Hospital West. "Bringing partners together in one setting strengthens the support available to families beyond the hospital."

Memorial Healthcare System leaders say the event reflects a broader strategy to address rising maternal health risks, particularly among vulnerable populations.

"Recent data shows Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, and women over 40 are five times more likely, thus facing significantly higher risk," said Terri-Ann Bennett, MD, chief of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Memorial Healthcare System.

Dr. Bennett said the maternal-fetal medicine division, established just over three years ago, is designed to connect patients with specialized care while strengthening collaboration with community providers.

"Memorial Healthcare System is committed to supporting patients beyond clinical visits by connecting them to resources, education, and coordinated care throughout pregnancy," Bennett said. "The goal is to ensure patients view Memorial Healthcare System as a trusted place for comprehensive maternal care."

At Memorial Regional Hospital, both the Memorial Family Birthplace and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is designated Level IV, enabling care teams to manage the most complex maternal and neonatal cases.

For attendees, the impact is immediate and personal.

"It's very beneficial," said Kenoldria Alexis, who is expecting twins. "This is a new transition, and the information and resources available here are helping me prepare for what's ahead for my family."

Memorial Healthcare System leaders say efforts like this are part of a long-term approach to improving access to care and equipping families with the tools they need before, during and after pregnancy.