Something new for mommies and babies

BY ELYSE AMEND

elyse.amend@transcontinental

After working as a pre-natal dietician, Baie d’Urfé native Jennifer Dubee-Houston decided to come back to the West Island and open up Belles Mamans, the first pregnancy and parenting centre of its kind in the West Island.

“I was working with moms and babies, and I just loved it,” Dubee-Houston said.

Located in Pointe Claire Village, Belles Mamans offers new and expecting mothers a variety of classes, discussion groups, workout sessions, and play groups, for both mom and baby. They also have a small boutique that carries baby clothing, toys, and other products, as well as a spa that offers massage sessions designed specifically for pregnant women.

“My goal is to really create a community, a place where moms can start during their pregnancy and then come back after as they need to,” she said.

Belles Mamans has been open for business since last November and Dubee-Houston said she and her 12-member team have seen membership rise steadily ever since. On top of all the services offered at the centre, Belles Mamans also gives moms a meeting place, she added.

“I find so many women are isolated after they have their baby. They need to get out of the house, be with other moms, have a chance to talk, and get that support,” said Dubee-Houston, who is expecting her own baby girl this summer.

Sean McCaffrey bought his pregnant girlfriend a membership to Belles Mamans as a birthday gift.

“I found it interesting, the concepts they’re trying to accomplish,” he said, adding his girlfriend had a massage session at the centre’s spa. “When you’re pregnant, there’s certain ways to get a massage, and certain ways you can’t get a massage.

“It’s fun to be able to give her something to help her relax and take it easy for a while,” McCaffrey said, adding his girlfriend plans to take courses as well.

La Leche League – a mother-to-mother support group – also meets at the centre every third Thursday of the month.

“The moms have been really happy coming here. They really seem to enjoy the environment,” Dubee-Houston said. “The lighting is soft, we’ve often got candles going, there’s nice music. It’s kid friendly. We want them to bring their children. It’s a place for moms.”

For more on Belles Mamans, visit www.bellesmamans.ca.