On October 5, the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) held its 9th Annual Baby Expo, providing expecting parents and families with a day full of education, fun, and essential resources. The event welcomed a diverse audience, including first-time parents, military spouses, and healthcare professionals, all dedicated to supporting growing families.
Karen Padgett, spouse of Sgt. Joseph Padgett, a tank mechanic in the 1st Cavalry Division, attended the expo with her friend, Susana Brannen, spouse of Spc. Nick Brannen, a communications specialist. Both women found the event informative and enjoyable. “It was not only helpful but a lot of fun too,” Padgett said. Brannen appreciated the supportive atmosphere where they could learn more about motherhood.
A standout feature of the expo was a hands-on demonstration by CRDAMC’s pharmacy team. They provided essential tips on baby medication safety. Spc. Amanda McCray, a petroleum specialist in the 1st Cavalry Division and spouse of Spc. Christian Caldwell, learned about safe medications for use before delivery and how to administer baby medications using a syringe. “I liked it because I hate using Google!” McCray joked, expressing excitement for the raffle that included safari and tank-themed baby cakes as prizes.
Danielle Smith, wife of 2nd Lt. Brady Smith, an air defense artillery officer with the 69th ADA, attended the event with their young daughter, Margo. The couple is expecting a baby boy and found the birth registration table particularly beneficial. “Signing up for the birth certificate registration is one less thing to worry about later,” Brady noted, while Danielle looked forward to touring the Women’s Health Department’s labor and delivery floor.
The tour provided families with a closer look at the delivery process. Katy Frazier, administrator of the Women’s Health Department, explained, “The tour helps expecting mothers and families see where they will deliver, what the room looks like, and the equipment involved.” The tour included key areas such as the labor and delivery unit, parts of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the mother-baby unit, where families are transferred after delivery. Frazier emphasized CRDAMC’s commitment to a family-centered approach, stating, “From the laboratory to the delivery room, we aim to make it a patient and family-centered experience.”
Rebecka Shuffler, a registered nurse at CRDAMC’s pediatric clinic, was also present to assist parents with understanding wellness appointment schedules, immunizations, and developmental milestones. “It’s absolutely important because parents need to know what to look out for,” Shuffler said. She praised the expo as an excellent opportunity for visitors to gain vital information to share with friends and family.
Esther Ndahi, spouse of Spc. Joshua Bailey, a water purification specialist in the 1st Cavalry Division, attended the expo to learn more about vaccinations for newborns. “I already knew some of the information provided at the other tables, so I didn’t spend a lot of time at those. I wanted to ensure I understood the importance of vaccinations for my baby,” Ndahi shared. As a first-time parent, she expressed her main concern about being informed about necessary vaccinations.
The hospital organizes the expo annually to provide valuable information to Fort Cavazos families, a resource many service members may not always have. “Personally, I just love that they have this,” said Spc. Eryn Weekly, a fire control specialist. “Many duty stations don’t have a full convention like this, and you have to find information on your own. Here, there are different booths that provide essential knowledge that many expectant families don’t know about.”
1st Lt. Trenton, an infantry officer, and his spouse, Carleigh Taylor, learned how to swaddle a baby at a practice station. “She was a little quicker than I was,” Trenton admitted. “I think he had a better technique,” Carleigh replied. Expecting their first baby, the Taylors explored the information tables and echoed sentiments similar to those of the Weekly family, noting that they were learning valuable insights they had never considered before.
“This event is really well-run, with a lot of resources, and the instructors are doing a fantastic job,” Trenton added.
The Baby Expo proved to be a valuable event, offering critical resources and support to military families as they prepare for the exciting journey of parenthood.
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