Maternity Fair Comes to Jefferson Valley Mall May 10

Cortlandt Manor, NY - (April 8, 2014) – Having a happy, healthy baby and a good birth experience can’t be left to chance. It’s something that takes planning.

To help educate aspiring parents, Hudson Valley Hospital Center holds its annual “Art of Having a Baby” Maternity Fair. This year, the Hospital will hold the event on May 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in a new location – at Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Boulevard in Yorktown Heights.

Also new this year, is a fast-paced competition, “Daddy Olympics” in which prospective dads will compete to win a $500 gift certificate by completing a “parenting obstacle course” in the fastest time. Skills like diapering a baby doll and collapsing a stroller with one hand will be tested. The event – at 12:15 p.m. and again at 1:15 p.m. will be hosted by WHUD’s Kacey Morabito Grean.  Another timed event that was a big hit at last year’s fair will return again this year: “Speed Dating.” Couples will get to interview obstetricians, midwives and pediatricians in this one-on-one sit down with the area’s top providers. Not sure what to ask?  Don’t worry. Questions will provided. Sessions will be held from 11:15 – 1:15 p.m.

Sabrina Nitkowski-Keever, Director of Maternal/Child Health at HVHC, said that couples should do research on the type of birth they want and develop a birthing plan beforehand. When developing a plan they should consider birthing methods, midwives vs. obstetricians, pain management and the benefits of breastfeeding among other questions. Because birthing philosophies vary among hospitals and providers, it is wise to decide which philosophy best suits you before choosing a provider or a hospital.

The “Art of Having a Baby” Maternity Fair can help prospective parents with all of these questions. The day will also feature a baby gadget demonstration, children’s activities including a sing along with entertainers Gina & Stacey and vendors offering everything from educational information to baby-related products and services. There will be refreshments, raffle prizes and giveaways.

For more information, call 914-734-3557 or to sign up for the Daddy Olympics visit us at www.hvhc.org . Visit us on Facebook for updates.

Hudson Valley Hospital Center is the only hospital in Westchester and Putnam to be designated as a "Baby Friendly" Hospital by Baby Friendly USA. The hospital, which has a 90 percent exclusive breastfeeding rate, has received state and national recognition for its breastfeeding support programs. The hospital offers whirlpool tubs in every labor and delivery room.

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Hudson Valley Hospital Center is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the community and to providing quality, comprehensive medical care in a compassionate, professional, respectful manner, without regard to race, religion, national origin or disease category. Offering state-of-the-art diagnostic treatment, education and preventive services, the Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life in the community.  In fulfilling this mission, the Hospital will strive to continuously improve the care provided and develop and offer programs, facilities, systems and alliances that most effectively respond to community health care needs.  Hudson Valley Hospital Center is located on Route 202 (1980 Crompond Road) in Cortlandt Manor, New York. For physician directory assistance please call 800-482-HVHC or visit www.hvhc.org.