You’re finally over the shock of seeing those double blue lines. Now what? Start by perusing this handy guide to the absolute best of the best for North Texas moms and babies. Local moms voted on their favorites for everything from baby-sitting sources to childbirth classes and we tallied the results. From the best class for tiny swimmers to the best resale shop, it’s all here in our Best for Moms and Babies 2015.
Best Hospital to Have a Baby
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound
From private, spacious birthing and postpartum suites to a NICU staffed 24/7, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound has everything covered to make sure Mom and baby are in good hands during every step of the labor, delivery and recovery process. Keeping you and your new little one together during your stay is a priority for all the physicians and nurses, and a celebration meal and designated family bonding time are offered to make this special time even more memorable. To give your family a healthy start, lactation support is provided while you’re at the hospital and is only a phone call away when you get home.
Flower Mound, 469/322-7000
texashealthflowermound.com
Best Birthing Center
All About Babies Midwifery & Birth Center
At All About Babies Midwifery & Birth Center, a healthy family lifestyle starts before your baby is even born. The center offers multiple lifestyle and fitness classes, including an introduction to essential oils, homeopathy, organic gardening and fermenting — all to ensure that parents are both excited and educated to welcome the newest member of their family. The newly remodeled 7,500-square-foot center houses three birth suites (tub and fireplace included) and sits on 3.5 acres of land to make for a secluded and peaceful birthing experience.
Argyle, 972/653-2229
allaboutbabies.net
Best Midwife
Donnellyn Dominguez, All About Babies Midwifery & Birth Center
Donnellyn Dominguez is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and former doula, and she’s the owner of All About Babies Midwifery & Birth Center in Argyle (your winner for Best Birthing Center). A lifelong passion for all things childbirth coupled with a desire to fully educate herself on women’s health spurred her to earn her midwife certification, and she’s made it a priority to educate the next generation of midwives. Donnellyn is also passionate about educating her clients, so that each family has not only the ideal pregnancy and birth experience, but also the healthiest start to their new lives.
Argyle, 972/653-2229
allaboutbabies.net
Best Doula
Maria Pokluda, Great Expectations Doula Services
She’s been serving expecting families for over a decade and has attended hundreds of births. Maria Pokluda, owner of Great Expectations Doula Services, says she’s dedicated to supporting women through the life-changing experience of childbirth, whatever their circumstances. Pokluda is comfortable working with families in a wide array of situations, including VBACs, twins and pregnancy after infertility. To share her knowledge, Pokluda recently penned a national doula certification program and has begun training aspiring doulas from around the country.
DFW Area, 214/223-0226
greatexpectationsdoulaservices.webs.com
Best Childbirth Classes
A Joyful Birth
Doula and childbirth educator Laura King uses four words to define her birth philosophy: knowledge, faith, strength and peace. It’s with this philosophy in mind that she educates expecting parents in what she views as not just a job but a ministry. King is passionate about helping parents achieve their ideal birth, whatever that may be. Private childbirth classes are offered in the couple’s home and tailored to meet every couple’s unique needs.
Denton, 214/659-1569
ajoyfulbirth.com
Best Prenatal & Postpartum Workout
Baby Boot Camp
Ever heard of Strollga? It’s like yoga, but with a stroller — just go with it. Baby Boot Camp offers this and other local fitness classes for women with a new baby in tow, some involving strollers (like Strollga), others designed to prepare you for your first post-baby 5K. Plus, each class comes with a community of other moms with whom to share your fitness goals and new-parent stories.
Multiple locations
babybootcamp.com
Best Resale Shop
Once Upon a Child
Is your wallet struggling to keep up with your child’s growth? Sell those barely worn britches at Once Upon a Child or trade them in for an affordable upgrade. Shop racks of gently worn costumes, dancewear, sleepwear and swimwear too. But Once Upon a Child is not just good for duds — stock up on other must-haves from the impressive collection of baby gear and toys at this one-stop shop.
Denton, 940/380-1500
Flower Mound, 972/874-0779
onceuponachild.com
Best Baby-sitting Source
Mom’s Best Friend
There’s a reason they win year after year. Mom’s Best Friend has baby-sitting down to a science. Prospective baby-sitters and nannies are thoroughly screened (in person) before being handpicked and carefully matched with local families. The experts at Mom’s Best Friend are pros at matching families with long-term nannies, but the company also offers temporary care, nighttime baby-sitters and holiday and sick care.
Carrollton, 972/446-0500
momsbestfriend.com
Best Child-care Center for Babies
Primrose Schools
Infant classes at Primrose Schools focus on three things: active minds, healthy bodies and happy hearts. A low teacher/infant ratio ensures that each child receives adequate care and attention while enjoying, observing and exploring the classroom. The curriculum at Primrose Schools balances social, emotional, physical and academic learning — meaning babies will be more than prepared come preschool. Early education at Primrose Schools starts as early as 6 weeks old and continues through age 5.
Multiple locations
primroseschools.com
Best Mommy and Baby Class
Win Kids
Starting at 6 months, babies can sing, learn and explore in the Win Kids gym. Parent and child classes are offered once a week by Win Kids coaches, who are passionate about instilling a love for movement at an early age. Age-appropriate classes encourage babies to explore new challenges and reach new developmental milestones with help from a parent.
Flower Mound, 972/355-9988
winkids.net
Best Infant Swim School
Emler Swim School
It’s no wonder Emler is No. 1: They’ve been perfecting their Waterbabies class for over 40 years, making sure that infants as young as 6 months feel comfortable and safe in the water. Try their balanced method of swimming instruction mixed with songs and playtime at a free orientation class, offered on most Saturdays. The best part? You get to be right there in the water with your little one, helping every step (er, stroke) of the way.
Multiple locations
emlerswimschool.com
