Mothersville

Many friends from places known to be more cosmopolitan than Memphis were concerned that our transition from the East Bay to the top of the Delta would be rough. To settle their concerns, I frequently pointed out the yoga studio down the street, our lovely Farmer's Market, all those Obama lawn signs, and Mothersville, a baby+mama boutique/breastfeeding support group/epicenter of the progressive parenting in Memphis. So it comes as a major loss that Mothersville will be closing its doors in a few days (unless there's an 11th hour change of ownership).

Having learned that I was pregnant within weeks of arriving in Memphis, the shop was a godsend. Melissa at Mothersville was the first Memphian I came out to about being pregnant! It was also a place I could peruse snarky zines, find affordable maternity clothes on consignment, and meet women with whom I could bitch about pregnancy without worrying that I'd be judged for not basking in my fertility. And once I was basking, that was cool, too!

I'm hopeful that the vision for an expanded Mothersville will somehow prevail, bringing together the services of my midwives at Trillium, Sarah Stockwell's birth classes, and a lactation consultant. If you happen to know anyone with an entrepreneurial itch who is eager to make an invaluable contribution to a great community, do get in touch.

In the meantime, I'm grateful that Mothersville was around long enough to see me through my first pregnancy and Fausto's first five weeks. Thank you.