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USO NW hosts best-selling author at baby shower

Best-selling author Heidi Murkoff holds a newborn during an USO sponsored event designed to provide information and fun to expectant and new mothers. Photo credit: Hawaii USO

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The first baby shower Heidi Murkoff held was in Okinawa in 2013 for expectant military mothers and mothers who had just had a child. 

"The air conditioning was broken," she recalled, "but the best part was that nobody even noticed because the hugs were amazing and, honestly, I was hooked that day."

On Tuesday, June 14, the USO Northwest will host Murkoff during a Special Delivery program supported by Johnson & Johnson at the McChord Club. The event begins at 10 am and runs to 2 pm, and 85 to 120 expectant or new mothers are expected to attend.

"The USO hosts baby showers for military parents-to-be around the globe," said Don Leingang, Executive Director, USO Northwest. "Building on the success of nearly a decade of hosting showers with Heidi Murkoff, the best-selling author of the "What to Expect" book series, these showers will now be available more often through USO locations and at new locations."

Guests at the event can expect to enjoy baby shower games, local guest speakers, lunch, a question-and-answer session with Murkoff, and drawings for traditional baby shower gifts. She will also autograph her books for every person who wants one signed.

"It always helps to know that other women are going through the same experiences, but also going through the same experience in the military setting is really, really helpful," said Murkoff in a video.

She added the showers provide a touch of home for moms-to-be who are often away from their families, friends, and support networks during their pregnancies.

"Being pregnant is not easy under the best of circumstances, and then you added in the stresses that come with military life. This is why I think Special Delivery is so important.

Since then, Murkoff has reached more than 13,000 expectant service members and military spouse parents. The books have sold more than 42 million copies and are published in 38 countries and in 44 languages.

Registration is open to expecting Moms and Moms with newborns up to six months old. Space is limited and filling quickly. Registration is required; the link is bit.ly/JBLMSD0614.

For more information about the event, visit https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-special-delivery-presented-by-johnson-johnson.

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