Texas Children's Pavilion for Women Opens Bella Luna Boutique featuring "Baby Bistro" breastfeeding support center

HOUSTON - (Oct. 22, 2012) - Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, one of the nation's premier facilities for women's, fetal and newborn health, recently opened Bella Luna Boutique, a unique store experience that offers a variety of newborn care items and gifts for the whole family; and inside, features Baby Bistro, a support center that focuses on helping mothers breastfeed successfully. The new boutique is located on the hospital's third floor. A YouTube video highlighting the Bella Luna Boutique is linked here.

Designed to provide convenient, expert advice for breastfeeding moms, the Baby Bistro is a walk-in breastfeeding support center staffed by certified lactation consultants who answer breastfeeding questions and offer advice during boutique hours. For those who feel they need more in-depth support, the area includes two private consultation rooms for mothers who can book appointments to work one-on-one with the lactation consultant. Baby Bistro also has a baby weighing station where a mom can check the weight of her infant to determine if the baby is getting enough nutrition. Scales and breast pumps are also available for rent through the boutique, which also carries an array of nursing bras and other helpful products.

Cris Daskevich, senior vice president of Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, said the Bella Luna Boutique and Baby Bistro reflect the Pavilion's emphasis on providing the kinds of services women want, such as breastfeeding support that is convenient and located in a family-friendly, comfortable setting. "We know breastfeeding is best for babies, so we want to be as encouraging and supportive as possible to Houston's breastfeeding moms. We encourage any breastfeeding mom who needs information or help to just walk in and visit with us," she said.

Bella Luna Boutique also has a variety of infant care and gift items that have been hand-selected for quality by the Texas Children's Pavilion for Women retail team. Items include preemie and infant clothing and accessories, personal care items for baby and mom, gifts, aromatherapy products, parenting and children's books, and even novelty gifts for dads.
Gina Marrinucci, manager of retail and concierge services at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, says she conducted a great deal of research into the hand-picked items offered at the Bella Luna Boutique, all with families in mind. "We focused on providing products that are both high quality and affordable," said Marrinucci. "Based on the great response we've had from our customers, I'm happy to say we've met that objective and we will continue to refine our offerings through their feedback." She highlighted some of the products and brand names offered, such as breastfeeding products from Medela; gowns, bibs; playwear from Kissy Kissy; baby personal care products from Noodle Boo and kids sleeping aids from Cloud B.

The Bella Luna Boutique and Baby Bistro, located on the third floor of the Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, are open during the following hours:

• Monday- Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.

To make an appointment with a lactation consultant, call 832-826-8881. A YouTube video highlighting the Bella Luna Boutique is linked here.

Situated in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, the 15-story Texas Children's Pavilion for Women is designed to care for a woman throughout her life and offers a full range of obstetrical and gynecological services, beginning before conception and continuing after delivery. The Pavilion for Women is one of the few hospitals worldwide to offer a full spectrum of maternal and fetal medicine services including an array of fetal diagnostic procedures and highly specialized fetal surgeries. Level II and Level III NICU care is provided in 36 private rooms, four of which are specifically designed to accommodate multiples. A two-story circular sky bridge connects the Pavilion for Women to Texas Children's West Tower and Clinical Care facilities, enhancing patient care by providing physicians, staff and patient families with rapid access to all patient care facilities.

For more information on Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, visit women.texaschildrens.org.

About Texas Children’s Hospital

Texas Children’s Hospital, a not-for-profit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas, and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The hospital includes the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; the Feigin Center for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, a second community hospital planned to open in 2017. The organization also created the nation’s first HMO for children, has the largest pediatric primary care network in the country and a global health program that’s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, go to www.texaschildrens.org. Get the latest news by visiting the online newsroom and Twitter at twitter.com/texaschildrens.