via Jamaica Observer

EXPECTANT mothers and new moms were pleasantly surprised last Sunday when they were treated by Sagicor Life Jamaica to a one-of-a-kind baby shower event. The Valencia at Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston was transformed to a baby-centric retreat, giving the expectant mothers and the moms with their new bundles of joy a chance to bond with each other and go home with plenty of gifts for the babies.

The women were offered 'glamour mama' sessions upon arrival by make-up company Black Opal, as well as spa treatments by Spa Divine. In addition to gifts including baby supplies of diapers, wipes, barrier cream, rags and cute teddies, the mommies were each given $10,000 gift vouchers to shop at of one of the five baby supply stores featured at the event — Taylor'd for Babies, Simply Halal, Goo-da-Gaa, Baby Magic and Bio Oil.

The shower, dubbed Sagicor Life's Baby Sprinkle, was emceed by entrepreneur, singer and mommy of three Tami Chin, who engaged the women and their families in a series of games. They had the chance to win highly prized gift items from the Nursery, which included a stroller, car seat, play pen, crib, high chair, changing table, blankets, among other items.

The expectant moms also had the opportunity to do gender-reveal ultrasounds at the event with obstetrician-gynecologist Dr Thea-Nicole Davis. Dr Davis also gave the women birthing and pregnancy-related tips in a rapping session with Chin. Michelle Gordon, CEO of B3 Parenting and lifestyle consultant, meanwhile, delivered sound advice on the ups and downs of parenting.

Sagicor Life also used the forum to introduce to the women its new framework for accessing maternity benefits, which allows pregnant women to swipe their health cards for doctors' visits and other related antenatal care services. Previously, women were required to submit a claim form for medical costs related to pregnancy.

The maternity benefit is a fixed amount, provided through an employer's health plan, which covers all pregnancy-related expenses for prenatal, delivery and post-natal care — including delivery of the baby, diagnostic services such as ultrasounds, doctor's visits, obstetrician services, and hospital expenses.