Rockaway
JOURNAL Since 1883
www.liherald.com
JANUARY 8 - 14, 2026
$1.00
Baby Shower offers resources and cheer By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com
Dozens of expectant mothers gathered at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, in Far Rockaway, on Dec. 19 for Episcopal Health Services’ annual Baby Shower, an event that blended festive holiday spirit with practical parenting support. Hosted by Dr. Jacqueline Maricheau, the hospital’s chair of obstetrics and gynecology, the event was intended to lift families’ spirits during the holiday season with gifts, guidance and community. In partnership with organizaJAIlYNN VegA tions like CamFar Rockaway paign Against Hunger; Love, Nana; and the Queens Public Library, the hospital offered a pop-up shop stocked with books and clothing for newbor ns, along with a raffle that awarded baby-changing bags, car seats, playpens and strollers. There was an educational segment led by Debbie Steger-Cohen, a lactation consultant specialist who addressed the long-term health benefits of breastfeeding and detailed the challenges that new mothers may face during childbirth. “Breastfeeding provides babies with the necessary nutrients, proteins, sugars, antibodies, fats and vitamins to build immunity and be healthy,” StegerCohen told the attendees. She also spoke about St. John’s’ recent “Baby-Friendly” designation — recognition from Baby-Friendly USA, the accrediting body for the international Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the U.S., which highlights hospitals that support breastfeeding and newbor n care. The evaluation included patient interviews, staff training verification and a demonstration of formula purchasing policies. In July, St. John’s passed all 82 criteria. Steger-Cohen said that the designation means that the hospital fulfills the needs of expecting mothers at “the very highest level.” “It means that moms are assured by
I
t’s great to know that there’s available help.
India Drew, one of many attendees, had the chance to select an item from a popup shop of goodies for newborns. Aidan Warshavsky/Herald
Zeenea Victoria, left, was one of many who attended Dr. Jacqueline Maricheau’s community event. an independent organization that they are getting the very best maternal child care,” she said. “Everyone who takes care of them is knowledgeable about breastfeeding. We are able to support whatever decision they have in terms of feeding their baby. Even if they’re formula feeding, we will make sure that they’re doing a wonderful job at formula feeding their baby.” While the event was a first-time experience for some, it wasn’t for others, like Jailynn Vega, of Far Rockaway, who is expecting her third child. Vega, a clerk in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, said she was grateful for the chance to attend. “It’s supportive to know there’s other young moms out there,” she said. “Most of what we just learned today, with lactation and everything. Some things I even forgot.” Vega also noted the importance of attending as a health care provider, and as someone who can support another mother. “Even if you’re not a mom, at
least know the information,” she said. “I would want my child just being born to be treated as if you were the mom. I want to make sure that information is with me so that I can provide that same loving care for others.” She highlighted St. John’s’ attention to detail as both colleagues and health care professionals. “When I went on maternity leave when I had my second child, everyone asked how my baby was doing,” she said. “They take care of their patients. That’s what I want.” Maricheau hosted the shower as a way to aid families in need to offset the costs of having a child, especially during the holiday season. “It’s my favorite time of year,” she said. “We’re happy to donate, help and support.” And for mothers like Vega, that support means everything. “Items like diapers can be expensive,” she said. “I struggle a lot, having two other kids. Its great to know that there’s available help.” Maricheau, who has worked at
the hospital for six years, called helping women as a health care provider her “impetus.” “Knowing that I can make a difference, and I can make change in the community, seeing the smiles on their faces,” she said, “[are] why I love taking care of women.” She thanked the partners for their efforts, and applauded her department and Episcopal Health Services’ CEO, Dr. Donald Morrish, for “rising to the occasion.” Steger-Cohen reiterated the hospital’s commitment to ensuring optimal care for expecting mothers, explaining that its efforts go beyond prenatal and inpatient care. “We will support their feeding plans and help them have a rewarding and wonderful experience after birth,” she said.