By Marsha Sandman | CNA Media Team
Welcome to parenthood… then get ready for the ride of your life. There will be so many questions and challenges but mostly pure joy.
Erica Matteson, Milagros Boutique owner, has created a cozy little spot where Concordia parents can find answers, help, connections and some of those cute little baby necessities.
The store celebrated its 15th anniversary recently. Erica, who has been a birth and postpartum doula for 20 years, purchased the store from the original owner about six years ago.
She recognized the necessity to make changes due to internet competition, so the retail portion of the store was downsized to add more services. Milagros Boutique now includes support groups, classes, new parent education and personal services.
“My desire with Milagros is to provide families in our community a customizable launching ground,” Erica said. “My goal is to walk alongside each family, one on one, on how they come to the information. It is easy to blaze your own trail if you are connected to others who are also learning.”
Erica’s goal is to include her store as a community service. Milagros invites parents with newborns to a welcoming daily retreat from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where they can relax, connect to other parents and get support.
She said she got a little teary eyed recently when five parents showed up for the daily group gathering.
Milagros stocks infant carriers, cloth diapers, breastfeeding supplies and locally-made artisan items. “These items connect to the classes taught by either our staff or providers in our local area,” Erica explained.
“Our goal is to have items on hand that lessen that overwhelmed feeling that new parents have when walking into a large baby store. In carriers, we want everyone safe and comfortable. Our cloth diaper rental kits allow families to find a system that works for them and fits the budget.
Newborn feeding takes care and time to become “easy,” and sometimes having that one little product makes the difference.
Milagros offers baby photography, group sessions and individual customizable consultations by appointment through MilagrosBoutique.com.
Erica invites parents to visit Milagros Boutique for a quiet moment from the festivities Sunday, Sept. 8, at the 3-9 p.m. block party on 30th Avenue.
Milagros Boutique is at 5429 N.E. 30th Ave., and the phone number is 503.493.4141. Information about classes, workshops and happenings are on the store’s website.
Milagros Boutique
After living east, south, north and west, Marsha Sandman is home at last. And she wants to hear your story. Contact her at MarshaJSandman@gmail.com.