VA Loma Linda Healthcare System (VALLHS) hosted a drive-thru baby shower for Veterans. More than 90 female and male Veterans, with newborns or expecting, received a variety of baby supplies, including diapers, diaper bags, handmade blankets, strollers, breast pumps and more. Dedicated women’s clinic nurses Sommer Feliciano, Nichole Erb and Roisin Mckenna went above and beyond to coordinate a beneficial event for Veterans at a special time in their lives. The team worked with community partners to offer extra help for Veterans as they overcome challenges faced this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is my first time attending a VA baby shower, and it’s the most amazing thing ever!” said Jethena Roca-Luna, a U.S. Army Veteran who served as a culinary specialist (MOS 92G) from 2003 to 2009. “I appreciate the moral support I get at VA, especially the compassion from the women’s clinic. I don’t feel alone because there’s always someone to talk to, and I always have access to care.”
This year’s baby shower is the fourth annual event to honor and support Veterans welcoming new babies into their families. Veterans drove through the VALLHS Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) to receive baby items that were all donated by members of the community. In addition to baby items, Veterans had access to helpful resources and information.
“Our population of women Veterans is one of the fastest growing populations coming into VA,” said Sommer Feliciano, co-maternity care coordinator and gynecology licensed vocational nurse (LVN) at VALLHS. “Part of our job here, in addition to maternity and obstetric care, is to connect Veteran patients with VA resources, and to also make sure they are connected to community resources.”
VA is here to support women Veterans throughout every stage of their pregnancy. To support pregnant Veterans, VA Loma Linda offers maternity care coordinators that work to understand a Veteran’s needs and help provide seamless maternity care. VA also supports new mothers and their families after childbirth by providing family therapy, parenting support and classes, and virtual mental health care.
“The VA women’s clinic nurses are attentive and extremely helpful,” said Danielle Chavez, former U.S. Army West Point cadet and soon-to-be mom of five. “I appreciate all the resources available, and it’s nice to be around fellow Veteran moms. We have a special connection and the environment is very comfortable.” Chavez has attended the VA baby shower every year since it began.
Chary Williams, who served as a flight operations dispatcher from 2010 to 2018, has one son and is expecting a daughter soon. Williams is a patient at the women’s clinic where she receives excellent care and constant support. “They are so nice,” said Williams. “They make me a priority. I’ve never had an issue getting an appointment. I recommend VA.”
VA welcomes women Veterans. We are committed to providing high-quality services in a sensitive and safe environment. VA Loma Linda offers a variety of health services to address the unique needs of women Veterans. Visit our website to learn more: Women Veterans - VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
Additional Resources:
Women Veterans - VA Benefits (va.gov)
Health Care Services - Women Veterans Health Care (va.gov)
Maternity Care - Women Veterans Health Care (va.gov)
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