As a former "corporate" mom, having disposable diapered two kids with developmental differences well beyond the average age of potty learning, and with another on the way, I reached my tipping point. I just decided that I couldn't do it any longer. I couldn't stomach the landfills full of disposable diapers and everything else I was hearing about the effects of our increasingly toxic environment on our children and ourselves. So my husband and I decided to transform our house into a "green home" by educating ourselves about the toxins and allergens in the detergents and everyday household products we use, the clothes we wear, and the foods that we eat—and by doing whatever we could to make our home a healthier place to live.
It was the beginning of what would become Bellybum Boutique: A unique community of inclusion which welcomes all parents, recognizes that there are "shades of green" and empowers families to make decisions which are right for them—while supporting and respecting those choices.
The mother of three (two boys and a girl), I made my transformation from corporate graphic designer/art director to opening a store providing pre & postnatal and parenting resources, support and education in 2009. Bellybum was born out of a desire to support and educate women suffering with myriad pre and postnatal issues—because no one should ever have to feel like they are suffering alone; to educate parents about healthy lifestyle options; and to show people how easy it is to make those changes. It doesn't have to be extreme. There are "shades of green" and each step you take is a good one.
I am heavily involved in educating women about women's health issues related to pregnancy—prevention and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, nursing (while it may be natural, it is not always easy), weaning and providing resources through wonderful partnerships with other small businesses, independent practitioners and entrepreneurs.
I am the NPN co-chair of the Support Group for Parent's of Children with Developmental Differences. I am also a blogger for the SPD Network (Sensory Processing Disorder) and heavily involved in Autism and Asperger's education and initiatives. Also a National Commissioner for the ADL—I am passionate about educating families and children about diversity and fighting intolerance, bigotry and hate in all its forms.
Check out my blog posts for information about all of these topics and more at http://bellybummom.blogspot.com
We're proud to be mom owned and run!
Ellen