May 3, 2026 (ROCHESTER, NY): Senator Samra Brouk (SD-55) held her 5th Annual Community Baby Shower on Sunday, May 3 from 1-4 pm at the Thomas P. Ryan R-Center. 

This year’s program featured an expert panel discussion, Beyond Birth: The Fourth Trimester–a conversation focused on the critical period following childbirth and the support that families need during those first months. While pregnancy and birth often receive the most attention, the weeks and months after delivery are just as important for the health and wellbeing of families. 

The event marked a milestone in maternal care–since Senator Brouk’s bill, S8080 was signed into law, over 400 doulas have joined the statewide Community Doula Directory– 43 of which serve Monroe County. 

Hundreds of attendees connected with 50+ community organizations offering important resources for parents and caregivers at the resource fair. Families also received free baby supplies, including diapers, wipes, and formula, courtesy of community organizations. The event included raffles, giveaways, and free food as well. 

“Now, more than ever, families need access to resources and support in Rochester,” said Senator Samra Brouk (SD-55), Chair of the Senate Mental Health Committee,  “With supplies like formula, diapers, wipes, and clothing–and information from maternal health experts and community partners–everyone who attends our Community Baby Shower walks away with resources to nurture their baby’s health and their own wellbeing. This year, our expert panel offered evidence-based postpartum solutions, including doula care, to help mothers navigate the challenges of the fourth trimester. With 400 doulas signed up in our statewide Doula Directory, and over 40 that serve Monroe County, anyone enrolled in Medicaid can get a doula reimbursed through their insurance to receive critical support before, during, and after childbirth.” 

“No one should have to navigate pregnancy and early parenthood alone— it truly takes a village,” said Katie Sienk, LMSW, Director of Maternal & Child Programs at Rochester Regional Health. “Rochester Regional Health is here for it— showing up with practical support, trusted resources, and a caring team, and we’re excited to partner with Senator Brouk for this 5th Annual Community Baby Shower.”

“It is an honor to participate in this panel. The postpartum period has a cascading impact on not only maternal health and well-being, but also on the whole family,” said Dr. Stephanie Godleski, Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology. “Continuity of quality care and support throughout postpartum recovery is of the utmost importance.”

“As a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, I have devoted my career to promoting health during pregnancy, particularly when there are complications such as diabetes and high blood pressure. However, the care I provide does not end at birth, said Dr. Eva Pressman, OB/GYN and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, University of Rochester. “Even when joyful, the postpartum period can also be tumultuous and challenging. Lack of sleep, fatigue, pain, breastfeeding difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, and worsening chronic health conditions can all present substantial difficulties. And yet, as many as 40% of recently pregnant patients do not attend a postpartum visit. I am eager to join Senator Brouk and our region's community health organizations to discuss ways we can provide the best patient centered care in the critical first year after delivery.”

"When families are supported, communities thrive,” said Phyllis Sharp, Certified Doula, Lactation Counselor, and Owner of Royalty Birth Services, LLC. 

Community Partners include: 

United Way

Building Healthy Children

Action for a Better Community

The Center for Youth Services

UR Medicine Pediatric Health and Wellness

Common Ground HEalth

La Leche League

Parent Leadership Training Institute 

Monroe County Department of Human Services

Place of Wisdom Maternal & Family Wellness Services

Willow Domestic Violence Center 

Royalty Birth Services, LLC

Ibero American Action League, Inc. 

Anthony Jordan Health Center Corporation

Healthy Baby Network

Healthi Kids

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Theta Alpha Zeta Chapter

BIPOC Parent Voice

Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning

Foodlink

Western NY Chapter of Star Legacy Foundation

Healthy Moms

Rochester’s Sexual and Reproductive Justice Task Force

Highland Family Medicine

ABC Head Start

Rochester Black Nurses Association

National Alliance on Mental Health

Fingerlakes Children’s Environmental Health Center

Rochester Public Library- Sully Branch

Fidelis Care

Kindred Connection, LLC

Monroe County Office of Traffic Safety 

MVP Health Care, Inc.

University of Rochester Medical Center Firearm Injury Prevention

Highland Hospital

GenoWell- Rochester Regional Health

Roc the Future Alliance

Connected Communities

Rochester Regional Health’s Baby Cafe

Monroe County Nurse- Family Partnership 

Goodwill of the Fingerlakes

URMC Breastfeeding & Lactation Medicine

Roc Family Teleconnects: Universal Virtual Newborn Visitation Program

Society for the Prevention and Care of Children

Catholic Charities Family and Community Services

Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative

Lawrence Authentic Wealth Services

Woodbury Preschool at The Strong

Local Sound Collaborative

Rochester Fire Department

HealthConnect One

Wilmot Cancer Institute