Expectant parents have a lot of questions and they need reliable answers. “Is a midwife a viable option for delivery? Is there a safe method of massage for my aching back? Can we share an ultrasound with our extended family?” After Baby’s arrival, there are additional questions; about breastfeeding, maternal recovery, safe products and more.

Lori Dunkman heard all these questions, and a thousand more, during her years as an ultrasound technician at a large hospital and found that, while resources exist to help pregnant and new moms, they tend to be scattered and sketchy. Now, Dunkman has brought all these resources together in a ground-breaking location called The Belly Factory. Located in Frankfort, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago, and decorated with shades of chocolate and bursts of raspberry, The Belly Factory is like nothing expectant parents, new moms or grandparents have ever seen.

While The Belly Factory offers the latest in 4D ultrasound, Dunkman has shattered the norm for ultrasound boutique offerings. “My mission is to make the life of mom, dad and baby healthier, more comfortable and more assured, by offering them every resource you can imagine in one spot,” says Dunkman.

And she truly does.

The Belly Factory offers yoga classes, including prenatal, postpartum, Mom & Dad and Mommy and Me. “Yoga training can relieve contractions and help with digestion and elimination. Participants improve their moods, lessen morning sickness and ease backaches. Yoga trains our bodies to take in all that wonderful oxygen that helps with baby’s development and teaches focus and meditation, which can be extremely advantageous during delivery,” affirms instructor Laura Kirby.

Addressing the many perplexing choices available during delivery, Dunkman has assembled educational seminars, including topics such as midwifery, how a dula can help, and natural childbirth options. “You can’t make a decision about which delivery options are best for you if you don’t know what they are. People may think a dula is like a midwife and miss out on the unique advantages of engaging a dula. A dula is your coach who helps with breathing techniques, offers suggestions to increase your comfort, and communicates your wishes to the delivering physician or midwife, while you – and dad - are intensely focused elsewhere.” Classes in infant/baby CPR, American Red Cross Baby Safe and Prenatal Chiropractic Care, among others, are also available.