Being pregnant is exciting enough. And in Chicago? Count yourself among the super lucky. With so many amazing resources, stores, classes, services and more, you will be taken care of from day one. Here are the reasons why the Windy City is tops for mamas-to-be.
photo: Bump Club & Beyond / TK Photography
1. There has never been a better excuse to get a massage.
So many spots specialize in pre-natal relaxation. Urban Oasis has the best tables with a hole in the center for your belly — you can lie face down! Ask for Becca Grimwade Brown (who also teaches prenatal massage therapy) for a treatment you and baby will never forget.
2. We have spring and fall.
Winters may be brutal and you only get two to three months of summer. (Read: Less swelling and smaller cankles.) Summers in Chicago can be steamy, but once it cools off its nice and comfortable for our pregnant friends. Throw a wrap sweater over some leggings and boots and you’re golden in the fashion department until baby arrives.
3. Our mixologists make awesome mocktails.
Ada Street, in particular, will make you one that tastes as good as than the real thing.
4. Your baby will have one of the best looking nurseries!
The Land of Nod, Twinkle Twinkle Little One, Sprout San Francisco and Lazar’s are some of the top stops when making a purchase for baby’s nursery — and we’re lucky that they all have outposts here in Chicago and the suburbs.
photo: Fit4Mom Chicago – Stroller Strides
5. A wide variety of fitness classes for both expecting and new moms will help you to stay in shape while pregnant and get your body back afterwards.
Prenatal Fit, Bloom Yoga and The Dailey Method (barre-based workout) are all great while pregnant. Once baby is born, bring them along to a workout (once cleared!) with Fit4Mom, Active Moms Club and Stroller Fitness from Bubbles Academy.
6. The best parenting experts are HERE.
Breastfeeding, sleep, nutrition, CPR, safety and labor and delivery all weigh on every expectant parent’s mind. Lucky for new and expectant moms in the Chicago area, the experts residing in our city are some of the best in the country. (You can even have the chance to meet many of them and hear them speak at Bump Club and Beyond’s monthly BCBumps Expectant Parent dinners!)
7. You’ll be able to capture the moment.
There are so many amazing photographers in Chicago to capture your pregnancy and then move right on into taking your family photos once baby arrives. Some of our favorites (and those who specialize in babies and birth photography) include TK Photography, Rachel B. Photo Studio, Simply By Suzy, A Little Photo Studio and Edyta Grazman Photography.
8. Cravings? Chicago can satisfy them!
Our foodie city doesn’t disappoint. From ice cream (Black Dog Gelato, Oberweis and Original Rainbow Cone) to doughnuts (Glazed and Infused, Stan’s and Doughnut Vault) to and cookies (Summer House Santa Monica, Sweet Mandy B’s and Baked) sweets are no problem here! But Chicago also boasts an amazing culinary scene that can serve you up anything you crave and accommodate any dietary restrictions. If it’s pickles you’re craving, The Puckered Pickle Company is based right here in the Windy City.
9. The best store for all of your baby’s needs has three Chicago area locations!
For nearly thirty years, Galt Toys + Baby helping parents gear up. You gotta trust a store with that kind of track record. The family-run store’s selection is gigantic and the staff is super-savvy. They also have many CPST’s on staff and install car seats.
10. The #1 reason being pregnant in Chicago is so awesome? Chicago has an amazingly supportive community.
The moms in the Windy City are amazing. From the many online communities to the numerous opportunities to meet moms in person through classes, seminars, organized nights out and more; the moms here are incredible and are just waiting to welcome you into the club of motherhood.
Why do YOU think it’s great to be pregnant in Chicago? Let us know in the Comments!
— Lindsay Pinchuk
