Three years ago, every one of my sisterfriends, including my biloogical sister, was pregnant. (Shout out to my neice, Olivia.) I spent a lot of time in the maternity sections: Target, KMart, Macy's. Occasionally I'd saunter in to A Pea In The Pod and Motherhood Maternity, too. I'd even wander in Manayunk's Belly. (That, by the way, is going out of business.)
But it wasn't until one of my pregnant homies (another shout out to my niece, Brianna!) drug me into a Destination Maternity in Manhattan, that I began to think pregnancy shopping - and everything that comes with it: onsies, bibs, pacifiers, special bras, baby decor, endless boxes of diapers and formula - could actually be fun for the non-pregnant. (read: Me.)
Today (Thursday) yet another Destination Maternity will open in Cherry Hill at Town Place at Garden Place located at 901 Haddonfield Road and Route 70. (The number is 856-488-1715.) Destination Maternity is owned by MothersWork. The umbrella company of A Pea In The Pod and Mimi Maternity.
This playground for the expecting includes a juicebar, (pictured here) kiddie corner and place for daddies to hang out. Not only can almost-Mommy's find the latest styles from all three pregnancy stores, -that's right, ladies, this is where you go to get that sparkling evening dress - they can slip in a pregnancy massage.
The grand opening runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes a ribbon cutting by MothersWork CEO, Rebecca Matthias. After, ladies can enjoy prenatal belly dancing classes, lectures to help calm fussy babies, carseat safety, an infant massage class and a couples prenatal yoga class. (Did we mention there is a yoga studio too)
Has anybody out there been to a Destination Maternity? What did you think? Is this all gimmick, or do Mommies need such trappings?
Comments (3)
I've been to the D.M. in Manhattan tons of times. I love that the salespeople offer you orange juice or water while you're trying clothes on and that there is such a variety of styles and prices for every expectant woman, from the penny-pincher to the fashionista. I've gotten a 50-minute massage at the spa Edamame and had a really wonderful experience. Every pregnant woman should visit and take in the moment, whether they buy something or not. Good post, Elizabeth!
Posted by Enjoli | April 24, 2008 11:39 AM
Posted on April 24, 2008 11:39
Don't the sharp edges on the reef cut the little kiddies hands? Oh, you meant corral?
Posted by Stubenville | April 26, 2008 4:00 PM
Posted on April 26, 2008 16:00
I am the then-pregnant "homie" who took writer/auntie Elizabeth Wellington to Destination Maternity. (Shout out to MY daughter Brianna!) That mini-pregnancy mall is the best. I got a fabulous prenatal massage at the spa when I was way too huge to go anywhere else (they have these fabulous tables with cutouts for the belly so you can actually lay facedown without putting pressure on your belly). The selection is the best around because there are so many great shops in one place to fit all of the pregnancy styles. Definitely check it out if you are pregnant or shopping for your favorite friend who is.
Posted by Kristin Vaughan Robinson | April 28, 2008 2:23 PM
Posted on April 28, 2008 14:23