By Laura Onyeneho | Houston Defender | Word In Black
This post was originally published on Defender Network
(WIB) – When Natalie Mott became a mother at 18, she never imagined that decades later, she would become the founder of an intimate yet impactful baby shower initiative for young and overlooked expectant mothers and fathers throughout the city.
She launched her organization, Lullabies and Chaos, in 2021, with the mission to not only ensure that no young parent goes unseen but also educate others on the ebbs and flows of young parenthood.
“We started with zero dollars,” Mott said. “But I just began asking people to give. I wasn’t asking for me. I was asking for the moms.”
What began as a one-time baby shower for teen moms has evolved into a quarterly community event designed to affirm, empower and pour love into young parents, many of whom are navigating pregnancy alone, without family, partners or even stable housing.
Identifying a Gap
While numerous social service organizations across Houston provide diapers, shelter and case management, Mott saw a specific emotional and psychological gap in the system.
“There’s no shortage of places handing out supplies. But what was missing was the celebration,” she said. “These moms are often shamed, dismissed or ignored. We want to do the opposite. We want them to feel honored.”
Mott’s events are full-scale showers, complete with decorations, personalized gift baskets, food, laughter and tears. Every expectant parent leaves with essential items, but more importantly, they leave with a sense of community.
“It’s the joy on their faces, the tears when they realize people they’ve never met showed up just for them,” Mott said. “We’re saying, ‘You matter. We see you. And you’re not alone.’”
She raised her daughter as a young, single mom and often found herself overlooked and overwhelmed. Today, her daughter is 26 and Mott believes that hindsight gives her the wisdom and grace to support the next generation of young parents.
“Back then, I didn’t know what I needed,” she said. “Now I do. And I can offer that.”
Mott hosted her first shower with the help of 20 friends and community members who pooled resources to provide gifts and encouragement to five teen moms. “It was small, but powerful,” she said.
Word spread quickly. Since then, she’s hosted dozens of showers, adjusted her approach based on needs and expanded the program to include teen dads.
“I remember thinking, if he’s not supported now, when will he be?” she said. “Teen dads matter, too. And that was the beginning of us celebrating dads.”
Makayiah Deboest, a young mother in Houston, struggled with housing insecurity and overwhelming uncertainty when she was introduced to Lullabies and Chaos through her boyfriend, who had heard about the organization while in college.
“We were homeless and I didn’t know how I was going to take care of my baby,” Deboest said. “I was just in a hole.”
Deboest had recently completed cosmetology school and was excited to begin her career, but a severe case of preeclampsia during pregnancy forced her into bed rest. Unable to work, she found herself without the financial means to prepare for her daughter’s arrival.
That’s when Natalie and her team stepped in.
“They threw me a baby shower and got me everything I needed,” she said. “I haven’t had to buy a single pack of diapers. They gave me clothes, a baby bath, even furniture when we finally got an apartment. It brought me to tears.”
Deboest’s daughter was born one month early, just four days after the baby shower. Today, she’s six months old and thriving.
“Miss Natalie checks on me all the time. She’s like a second mom to me now,” Deboest said.
“She doesn’t just help with baby items, she’s someone I can talk to about anything. That kind of support changes everything.”
Mott’s faith is the bedrock of her work. She doesn’t run a formal nonprofit. A foundation or grant doesn’t back her.
Every week, she sits down to write what she calls “community changer” letters, handwritten or emailed messages to potential donors, volunteers or organizations she believes can help bring the vision to life.
“I get a lot of ‘no’s,’ but I’m never discouraged,” she said. “Because it’s not about me. God told me, ‘Just go ask. I’ll handle the rest.’ And He always has.”
The letters have opened doors to collaborations with local organizations that serve the same purpose: helping financially disadvantaged, vulnerable communities.
She is preparing for the next baby shower and already has her eyes on the future. Her dream is to build a dedicated resource space in Houston where expectant parents can receive celebration, education and long-term mentorship.
“I’m so glad I didn’t do this when I first became a mom,” she said. “Now, I have the experience and the heart to do it well. I can say to these moms, you’ll make it. And we’ll be here to walk with you.”