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Until recently there hasn’t been a place in Chicago for moms, moms-to-be and parents-to-be, to get help on navigating the difficult phases of pregnancy and parenthood. Bellybum Boutique, 4347 N. Lincoln Ave., is changing that as the newest store in Chicago’s Lincoln Square/Northcenter neighborhoods offering everything for before, during and after pregnancy, including many one-of-a-kind classes.
Opened earlier this year in February, Bellybum Boutique offers fashionable maternal “transition” wear, classes and events, cloth diapers and green products that are good for baby, good for parents and good for the planet. The boutique is a true celebration of mama bellies and baby bums and has quickly become a haven dedicated to encouraging new moms, and parents, to feel beautiful, empowered and comfortable in their new role as parent.
“Pregnancy, while a beautiful time in a woman’s life, has its awkward moments, especially as the body transitions during pre and post baby. There are few retailers that understand and focus specifically on these times,” said Ellen Sternweiler, Owner of Bellybum Boutique. “Bellybum Boutique really fills in the blanks for women, babies and families during and after pregnancy with clothing, products and one-of-a-kind classes with local experts.”
Hip active moms can have comfortable, fashionable, designer clothing, nursing wear and accessories and nursing support products. Bellybum is the first store in Chicago where women can shop for their entire pre and post maternity wardrobe in one place—eliminating the frustration of having to shop at 10 different stores to find one item that fits. Sternweiler is devoted to making sure that moms keep their stylish aesthetics in those difficult first and fourth trimesters, and after pregnancy, with beautiful slings, wraps, scarves, diaper bags and jewelry rounding out the ensemble.
For babies, Bellybum believes in caring for the planet and providing a complete cloth diapering solution. Unlike any other store in Chicago, it offers the industry’s full range of cloth diapers and diapering accessories from top-of-the-line boutique products to those that are more affordable, but no less stylish. “Cloth diapering is really making a comeback with parents more concerned for the environment, health and the economy,” says Sternweiler. “Sure you might spend a little bit more up front but the long-term savings are remarkable. Plus….cloth diapering is not like it used to be.”
But Bellybum isn’t just about supplying mothers and their babies with fashionable apparel and earth-friendly products. It is a hub of support where moms and dads can seek out advice—and each other—as they transition to the exciting, but often daunting, world of parenting. The store is dedicated to providing healthier, more responsible choices—and respecting the choices that parents decide to make for themselves and their families.
Bellybum has designed unique classes and workshops—in partnership with other local businesses—to help parents navigate pregnancy, parenthood and have fun with baby. The store also sponsors a full range of support groups where mothers and fathers can come together in a facilitated environment to get expertise, talk with like-minded individuals and pierce the isolation that so often accompanies the first months of parenthood and subsequent years of child-rearing. Some of these include: Breastfeeding 101 and Support, Postpartum Nutrition, Organic Baby Food for Baby and Toddler, Babies 101 For Parents Expecting through Surrogacy or Adoption, Education Funding and 529 Savings Plans, The Whole Child: A Holistic Approach to Childhood Development, Core Strength and the Pelvic Floor: The Information Every Woman Should Know. Bellybum is the only place in the area with a class on Alternative Women’s Products and one of the only places in Chicago offering Potty Learning and Potty Cloth Training.
About Bellybum Boutique
Opened in February 2009 by Ellen Sternweiler, Bellybum Boutique (bellybumboutique.com) is located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square/ Northcenter neighborhoods at 4347 N. Lincoln Avenue and carries women’s designer transition wear and organic children’s wear, nursing support products, bath and body products, toys, gifts and accessories. The store regularly holds classes and workshops for parents to help them navigate pregnancy and transition into parenthood. It is committed to offering the green products and cloth diapering, encouraging parents to make healthy, good choices about parenting. Bellybum Boutique products were recently seen in DailyCandy.
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