Meet the Team

Bernadette, our Operations & Customer Support Manager

Bao Bei Maternity Customer Support Manager

How long have you been behind the scenes?

Over a decade!

How did you start in the maternity retail space?

I co-owned a boutique pop up consignment shop (Maternity Xchange) and met Suzanne at one of the events.

Best parenting hack:

Always have snacks on hand. I keep an “emergency stash” in my purse of a deflated balloon, lollipops and some crayons.  I'll also usually have a bandaid in my wallet.  I guess I like to be prepared...

How many 'bei bei's' do you have?

A handful, 5!

How do you do it all/words to live by?

I just try to survive day to day!  I do try to be organized in some things.  We have a running family google calendar. I meal plan a lot.  I have a list of meal options for breakfast/lunch/dinner written on a notepad on the fridge so I can do a quick look without having to think about prep every mealtime.  It's a huge timesaver.

Can't-live-without-it item?

I would say the Bralette is my must have.  I put one on as soon as I get home, or as soon as I know I'm staying home because they are SOOO comfy and the perfect amount of support for lounging and sleep.  I can't sleep without it.

Natalie, Product Design and Creatives.

How long have you been behind the scenes?

Wow! Since November 2018! Time really flies when you’re doing something fun, positive and being a mom to three nuggets. 

How did you start in the maternity retail space?

I’ve had a background in luxury lingerie. I also, was a fit specialist for over 3 years before I had babies. I was able to see first hand the struggles woman had with finding the proper fit in all of the stages of life: weight fluctuations, pregnancy and postpartum. 

Best parenting hack:

I love hearing about what other mamas do day to day that makes life easier! 
I for one love the travel with kids hack, because as you know everyone could use a little help with that. 
1. Always pack a little fun kit: activities, snack, stickers, something new helps too. 
2. I roll their outfits by day. Less fumbling and overpacking on trips. The rolling keeps the clothes together and it’s a space saver. 
3. Pack empty sippy cups. Airline cups are lightweight and they’ll knock over. 

How many 'bei bei's' do you have?

3! Ages 6, 4, and a 15 month old 

How do you do it all/words to live by?

I’m always learning and keeping an open mind. Some days can be hard. I find that keeping busy and getting some fresh air helps for us all. It keeps us active. 
My favorite quote: “the day a tree stops growing is the day it dies.” I’m learning everyday with my kids and through them. 

Can't-live-without-it item?

15 months postpartum and still rocking the sculpt and recovery leggings. 

Lauren, our Afiiliate & Professionals Coordinator

Lauren BumpPro Coordinator with 2 kids

How long have you been behind the scenes ?

I first found Bao Bei when I was pregnant with my first in 2014.  I was participating in my first yoga challenge and Bao Bei was a sponsor.  I had my mom buy me my first belly sports bra for a birthday present and connected with Suzanne while posting pictures on Instagram.  From 2015-2019, I did photoshoots and shared content online, and then officially became a member of the team in November of 2019.

How did you start in the maternity retail space?

My background is very diverse, but I like to think that all my experience has coalesced to bring me where I am today.  I got my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, became a yoga instructor, opened a yoga studio, became a mother, fell in love with Bao Bei, wrote a book, became a certified breastfeeding specialist, and was given the opportunity to be a part of this company that I am so passionate about.

Best parenting hack:

Oh this is such a hard question because I certainly don't feel like I will ever be an expert in parenting.  But, I would say that my best "parenting hack" is twofold: going with the flow and trusting yourself and your children.  I like to believe that each mother is perfectly designed for her children and, in turn, her children are perfectly designed for her.  Together, when they trust each other and the process, they fit together like pieces of a puzzle.  It's when we try to be something we are not or turn our children into something that they are not that we struggle most.

How many 'bei bei's' do you have?

I have two bei bei's, both boys.  One born in 2015 and one 2018.

How do you do it all/words to live by?

I like to set intentions or mantras for myself.  My current one is: "slow, watch."  It's so easy to get caught up in the go, go, go mentality, but I know how quickly this time will pass, and I never want to look back and feel like I missed out on my own life.  When I find myself getting frazzled, I try to remind myself to slow down, to take in what is going around me, and to watch all the beauty that is unfolding around me--all the wonder that I miss when I move too quickly or get caught in my own head.

Can't-live-without-it item?

I am an adore girl through and through.  The adore leggings saved me after my emergency c-section, and I will not wear anything other than the adore bralettes.  I really don't think I could ever have too many of them.