Groton — The March of Dimes surprised 27 expectant military moms in Connecticut with an educational baby shower and gifts at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa, just minutes away from Naval Submarine Base New London. The moms-to-be received gift boxes filled with baby supplies and much more courtesy of the March of Dimes, Philips, Mohegan Sun, Kmart and Babies R Us.

Moms-to-be also received the latest pregnancy and newborn health information from the March of Dimes Mission: Healthy Baby® program. In recognition of the many sacrifices of military families, March of Dimes brings educational baby showers to military moms-to-be who may not otherwise have a baby shower. Since 2009, March of Dimes has showered nearly 500 military moms at various bases around the country.

The March of Dimes support for the military dates back to its founding by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1938. Mission: Healthy Baby was designed specifically to address the unique needs of military members who may be stationed far away from the support of family and friends, or who may be fighting a war while their partner is home, expecting a child.

"Having a baby is a joyful experience. However, it's also one that comes with anxiety and stress, especially when your spouse is deployed overseas by the U.S. military," said Deb Fafard, state director, March of Dimes Connecticut Chapter. "The March of Dimes believes in supporting moms and moms-to-be and we're grateful for this opportunity to help these military families. These showers and our Mission: Healthy Baby program give families the comfort and support they deserve."

Very high levels of stress, such as the stress caused by a deployment, may contribute to premature birth or low birthweight in full-term babies. Military moms and dads can request Mission: Healthy Baby materials by sending their name and address to missionhealthybaby@marchofdimes.org.

"Our employees wanted to lend their support to the brave men and women who protect our country. What better way to give back then to help these individuals as they embark on one of their most important missions ever – the road to parenthood.　 This was a natural opportunity through our partnership with the March of Dimes," said Mark A. Stephenson, Head of Brand, Communications & Digital, Philips North America.

"Military spouses truly serve and sacrifice right alongside their service members. When those spouses are moms-to-be, often far from home and family, and possibly with their loved ones deployed, it can be daunting," said Cmdr. Kurt Stronach, executive officer of Naval Submarine Base New London. "It's so great that the March of Dimes and their partner sponsors are recognizing that and treating these ladies to such a wonderful event."

"The fact that the community is focused on supporting military families is inspiring," added Col. Harris Brooks, retired Air Force colonel, and also a March of Dimes Trustee.