Back in February, I traveled to India for work (with the International Reporting Project). We were there to report on child survival and related issues. Here’s my latest story, published with Women’s eNews!

Indian Baby Showers Add Iron-Rich Nutritional Gift

The ancient custom of celebrating a forthcoming child is changing in some communities as India struggles to reduce child mortality and malnutrition.

Indian women gather for godh bharai, a baby shower.

NEW DELHI (WOMENSENEWS)–Three young women hold court in the middle of the room, bedecked in their finest jewelry: necklaces, earrings, bangles. They haven’t been this dressed up since their weddings. Lavish gold and red saris drape over them, nearly concealing their swollen bellies.

They are surrounded by their mothers and sisters, aunts and cousins and friends, who are seated on the floor or standing up against the wall of the community center. A few attendees beat drums, and all of them sing joyously. Keep reading…