I recently decided to touch base with the local birth and wellness center, and baby boutique near my home, and I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful owner, Rochelle. Her space is just gorgeous! You can just feel how much of her heart and soul that she has put into her business. You walk in, and you feel calm and at peace, and you can just feel the warmth and collective hugs that have taken place here. I was so impressed! The center is made up of three parts – the birth center, a retail store and a classroom where she invites other local childbirth and baby related businesses to teach and hold classes. What a great way to bring new and expecting parents together!
I wanted to do a brief interview with Rochelle, so that she could share with you herself, about her business:
Please share with us, a little about your family. I married my husband (my childhood best friend) right out of college and followed him around the country as he served in the Marine Corps for 20 years. We have a 23 year old son and a 21 year old daughter. (Are they still considered my “kids?”) Growing up with a parent who is frequently gone for long periods of time can be difficult, but it also brings the blessings of a close-knit family. We enjoy camping and time at the beach, and just being silly together. Motherhood has been my favorite job, by far.
Tell us your favorite thing about running a birth and wellness center. I get to be a part of the miracle of birth every day. From sharing the excitement of a new pregnancy to seeing the joy on a woman’s face as she scoops her newborn up in her arms for the first time. It is magical. I also am grateful for the diverse group of professionals that I get to work with every day – midwives, doulas, educators, craniosacral therapists, naturopaths, marriage and family therapists, obstetricians and more. The collaborative care that a birth center provides is the foundation of a supportive community of families and care providers.
What is your favorite product in the boutique? Ummm…all of them? That is the beauty of owning your own store – you only choose the things you love! If I had to narrow it down, I would probably say baby carriers. We wore our kids in a ring sling before it was a common practice. There is just something about having a baby on your chest, your breaths rising and falling together, their sweet baby smells right under your nose. If you have another child, the ability to hold your new squish close, while keeping up with your toddler is priceless!
Tell us what inspired you to open the birth center part of your business. I have been a childbirth educator and doula for several years. I would always educate my clients on their birthplace options, but many were often disappointed to find that the nearest birth center was an hour away. One day I was lamenting my frustration about the lack of a local birth center to a midwife friend of mine. She said, “Why don’t you open one?” I laughed, but continued to think about it throughout the day. When I approached my husband, I expected him to tell me I was crazy. Instead, he was on board. The rest, as they say, was history.
Tell us your favorite piece of advice to give to new parents. Whether I am teaching a newborn care class or helping a mom to breastfeed, I often remind them that they are wiser than they know. In this age of instant communication and limitless resources online, I find that parents often seek information from many sources, then become overwhelmed when making a decision about their birth or baby. One article says to do one thing, while another encourages the opposite. I remind parents that they know their baby better than anyone else. It is okay to take in the advice from family, friends and professionals, but in the end I wish them the self-confidence to listen to their own hearts and minds. They will then make the right choice for their family.
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Now, for a little tour!
North San Diego County Baby Boutique
I’ll start with the retail store. I am a mom, but my babies are now 10 and 12. I still loved touring the boutique and looking at all of the wonderful products that Babies in Bloom carries. I have to say that I always loved the JujuBe bags, I had one when my kids were little! They also carry my favorite stuffed animal brand, JellyCat. If you have not seen these little animals, you must pick one up for your baby! They are the softest stuffie out there! And darling too. So many great and unique products, and great gifts for new parents to be!
NORTH SAN DIEGO COUNTY BIRTH CENTER
I fell in love with the birth center at Babies in Bloom. Honestly, if I could go back and have my babies in this setting, I would do it in a heartbeat. I had both of my kids in a hospital setting, because I didn’t know places like this existed! You walk in and you feel like you’re in a gentle, surrounded, peaceful bedroom with amenities all around you. They have docking stations for your electronics in the rooms. I can see plugging in my favorite soft music. There is a gorgeous bathtub in each room, where they will run a herbal bath for you after you’ve delivered your sweet one. There is an exam room, where you can meet with your midwife if you deliver at the birth center. And there is a private entrance and a kitchen and waiting area for your family, complete with a full size refrigerator. Its amazing!
I’m also excited to share that you will now find some of my artwork at Babies in Bloom. We installed a beautiful selection into both the Exam Room, as well as the Classroom!
CLASSROOM AT BABIES IN BLOOM
The classroom is also a big part of Babies in Bloom. You can attend classes such as Prenatal Yoga, Comfort in Labor, Lactation Lounge, Postpartum Support and SO much more. There are classes, daily. You can check out the current offerings here – Class Schedule at Babies in Bloom. Two very large pieces of my work are displayed here as well!
In closing, if you are expecting a little one, Babies in Bloom is SO worth visiting. They have so much to offer the new parent community, and I’m excited to have them in the North San Diego County area.
