Native American Health Center’s Strong Families and Perinatal Programs

This month Native American Health Center’s (NAHC) Strong Families and Perinatal Programs hosted their annual baby shower for expecting mothers. This gathering provided an opportunity for many new mothers and families to build community with their peers and celebrate their pregnancies together.

The Strong Families Home Visiting Program is a home-visiting program that provides parenting education and support services to families with children ages 0-5. The program is designed to empower parents by offering resources and guidance tailored to their specific needs, particularly those of Indigenous families.

In partnership with the Perinatal Department, Strong Families seeks to provide holistic care for pregnant and postpartum parents. This collaboration ensures that families receive comprehensive support—from prenatal care to early childhood development. Together, these programs help families thrive by addressing parents’ and children’s health and emotional needs.

During this shower, NAHC was able to celebrate Native culture, connection and community while underscoring the essential role of providing care and support for families, particularly during the life-changing pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period.

Women of color, particularly Black, Hispanic/Latina, Indigenous, and other marginalized groups, experience significant healthcare inequities during both the prenatal and postpartum periods. These disparities are driven by a combination of systemic, institutional, and interpersonal factors, resulting in poorer health outcomes compared to white women. By providing care through the support of culturally competent healthcare professionals and building community wellbeing, NAHC uses this opportunity to provide education, resources, and peer support in a safe setting, helping to alleviate fears and build sturdier pathways to health equity for new and expecting mothers

NAHC knows that cultural and linguistic connections are crucial for families’ well-being and organizing an event that honors and celebrates their community’s cultural heritage promotes a sense of belonging, ease, and pride. The Strong Families & Perinatal Baby Shower reflects these values by integrating traditional practices and language, ensuring that families feel seen, supported, and empowered. This cultural alignment reinforces the strength of the community and the importance of raising children within a framework of heritage and tradition.

You can learn more about Native American Health Center HERE.

Click to expand images of the shower