What you see — Birth Village at Panampilly Nagar, Cochin, is in a simple house in a residential colony. The Lamaze classes are conducted on the ground floor, while the clothing boutique operates from the first floor.

It was started by Priyanka Idiculla, a smart and lively young woman, who has a single-minded focus - to educate and empower expectant mothers on childbirth and baby care, apart from ensuring that the husbands are equally involved.

What you get - A certified trainer from Lamaze International, USA, Priyanka started Lamaze classes in Cochin in February 2009. She emphasizes that Lamaze is not just pregnancy exercises. It is an educative course that covers all aspects of pregnancy such as healthy diet, exercise, how to approach labor, being aware of medical procedures, infant care and so on. Lamaze also helps husbands to understand and participate in their wife’s pregnancy and provide support.

Priyanka offers classes in two packages - 12-hour and 18-hour - which come for Rs. 4,500 and Rs. 7,000, respectively. The latter includes belly dancing for pregnant women. The two-hour classes are generally conducted during the weekends to ensure husbands can also be a part. Priyanka includes only four couples per batch.

At Birth Village in Cochin, Priyanka also showcases carefully handpicked fashionable clothing for pregnant women. Due to the nature of these clothes, they are ideal for plus sized women too. The maternity collection includes stretch jeans and pants, tunics in georgette and chiffon, tops in stretchable fabric, soft dresses, kurtis and more, which can be worn even after delivery. Accessories such as nursing pillows, nursing lingerie and gowns, and so on are also available. The clothes range from Rs. 450-1,200.

Besides maternity clothing, Birth Village includes infant wear (0-1 years) and baby accessories like cloth diapers, crib lights and more, priced between Rs. 30 and Rs. 500. There is also an exclusive section for organic products for moms and babies.

Our verdict — MetroMela loved Priyanka’s spirit and her ideas that are one-of-a-kind in Cochin. The store is only an extension of the support group that she intends to build for to-be-mothers. In fact, some of her clients insist that she be present during labor. The store has Priyanka’s personal touch on all the items. She doesn’t believe in mindlessly stocking too many products; only the essentials. There is no exclusive parking area and you will have to find space in the lanes. However, this may not be difficult because Panampilly Nagar is a quiet residential area.

Anytime between — 10.30 AM - 6.30 PM (Boutique closed on Sundays)