In store only at our retail location: 4372 West 10th Avenue in Point Grey Village (near UBC). See you soon.

CBC lifestyle show “Living Vancouver” featured Belly & Beyond to answer the question: can you convert your current clothes to fit maternity style?

Your doula will help you define and create the type of atmosphere you want–at home or in the hospital. She will remain with you throughout your labour and childbirth, attending to your emotional and physical comfort.

It is important that you find a doula who ‘fits’ with your personality and philosophy; thus, you may need to interview a few perspective candidates prior to finding your doula.

In British Columbia you can get more information about doulas through the Doula Services Association of BC at www.bcdoulas.org. .

Belly & Beyond was mentioned recently in an article by Tamara Taggart in the Vancouver daily 24 hours. She writes:

“There’s nothing sweeter than a handmade sweater and traditional sailor suit for your baby, but you have to admit, it’s a lot more fun to find unique, conversation pieces to dress your new little one in.”

One of her favourite gifts for rock star babies is the Rock Onesies, locally made, and sold in our boutiques at Belly & Beyond. Come down and check out these great gifts for yourself!

Belly & Beyond is extremely pleased to announce our new location: Belly & Beyond West!

Located in Point Grey Village on West 10th Ave, Belly & Beyond West offers the same popular brands as our previous store with a boutique feel.

Come browse our extensive collection of designer maternity, premium denim and quality skin care to pamper both mom and baby. Bring in your favorite pair of jeans and have them “maternalized!” Specializing in locally designed product Belly & Beyond West welcomes you to start your amazing new journey.

The new address is:

4372 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6R 2H7
Phone: 604 568-1725

Celebrate your pregnancy in style! Hope to see your there.

I think moms today are proud of their bellies and enjoy revealing the curves and the growth, whereas in the past it’s always been covered up by a big muumuu and tunics,” says Diana Woodhurst, the manager of Belly & Beyond on Main Street.

Read the full article here.

Stretch marks are a form of scarring generally associated with pregnancy, obesity, bodybuilding and puberty. They result from over stretching of the skin, which disrupts the normal production of collagen, causing a scar. They are also called striae, striae atrophicae, vergetures, striae cutis distensae, striae gravidarum, lineae atrophicae, striae distensae, linea albicante.

Stretch marks are a common worry for pregnant women. In fact, they are the most frequent marks of a pregnancy.

What do they look like?
They are reddish - purplish ridges which gradually turn to a pearly white color, indicating actual scarring of the skin.

What causes them?
During pregnancy, under the effect of hormones, the fibres of collagen and elastin which ensure the skin’s structure and elasticity, pull apart. They are replaced by new fibers which are thinner and irregular. The skin covering them is also stretched thinner. The result is a visable scar on the surface of the skin.

Why do they appear?

* Basic hormonal factors
* Tightening skin as a result of weight gain
* Age of mother; pre-pregnancy weight; quality of her natural collagen; and genetics.

Did you know?

* Stretch marks affect more than half of all mothers-to-be
* They occur more often in young women
* There is no connection between the presence of stretch marks and weight gain
* The number of previous pregnancies has no effect on the occurrence of new stretch marks.

So how do we get rid of stretch marks from pregnancy? Here are a few tips

1. Prevent and minimize new and recent stretch marks. Start treating your skin when you first find out you are pregnant with stretch mark creams with AHA moisturizers (they promote cellular activity and growth) and softening oils that help preserve your skins elasticity.
2. Make sure you take care of the skin in the areas where stretch marks is prone to show up. Usually sensitive areas such as: abdomen, breasts, hips and upper thighs.
3. Confirm that any products applied to your body can be used during breastfeeding as some products will be excreted in your breast milk.
4. Like any scar, a stretch mark must not be exposed to sun without appropriate protection.
5. Cream to prevent stretch marks should be applied in a circular massage movement, twice a day. The massage itself is beneficial, as it promotes good circulation and relaxation.
6. Any woman who experiences an abrupt or excessive weight gain may be exposed to the risk of stretch marks. Such weight gains should therefore be avoided.

At Belly & Beyond, we carry a great selection of Stretch mark solutions. Check out our skincare category online!

Source information from: www.mustela.com

Today he is a very well spoken child, with advanced language and reading comprehension skills for his age. I am certain that his early experience with sign language, was a great part of his language development. But don’t take my word for it, consult the experts.

I recently found a great link to some fabulous information and resources from all over Canada, about signing with your baby. If you are interested in learning more please go to signingstore.ca . Happy signing Mommies!

http://signingstore.ca/

Sincerely, Rachael Chatoor!

I just thought I would let you all know about a fantastic Blogger I met through the Yummy Mummy contest.

I am a huge fan of this woman, and I highly recommend you take a few moments out of your day to click the link below, to read the hilarious musings of Sharon, as she takes us on a clever, witty, and incredibly relate-able journey of her experience of Motherhood!

http://motherhoodtheultimatesurvivor.blogspot.com/

All best, Rachael.