Heading into Mother's Day, the Department of Veterans Affairs is spotlighting an emerging field of services catering to women.

The Baltimore Sun reports that new and expectant mothers gathered at the Baltimore VA Medical Center on Saturday to celebrate the 56 babies born to local female veterans over the last year. The Baltimore baby shower is one of more than 60 taking place across the country this month as part of the department's Nationwide Baby Shower initiative.

More than 2,400 new veteran parents and parents-to-be have signed up. The Baltimore celebrators received gift bags with diapers, shampoo and other items that came from donations.

Acting VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a release that the baby showers aim to raise awareness of the agency's comprehensive maternity care services.

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Information from: The Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com