Do It All Mamas (& Papas): The mom who invented Czela Bellies CesareanWear

November 1, 3:59 PMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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Jennifer Bourgoyne

In today's Do It All Mamas (& Papas) feature (find out more about this series below)...

Jennifer Bourgoyne, inventor of the special underwear called Czela Bellies for moms who get C-sections. Jennifer is mom to three boys - Dakota Miles, 17, Griffin Hawk, 10, and Cash Rhodes, 3.

Examiner: Tell me something unique/interesting about yourself.

Jennifer: Hmm... I've lived in a haunted house. I love to write, and have a children's book in the works. My name is Jennifer, and I'm a shoe-aholic.

Examiner: What is your business all about? 

 Jennifer: Czela Bellies CesareanWear are the original comfort and fashion undergarment made specifically for *today's* c-section mamas. We offer way more than the granny panties of yesterday, or the hospital meshies most women wear for longer than they'd care to admit! Czela Bellies come in a variety of fun and flirty prints and happy colors to give a new mom a bit of a morale boost as well as the comfort that's so needed during that transitional phase back to her regular clothing. Currently available online, or at select boutiques. You can check us out at www.czelablue.com.

Examiner: What is your favorite product that you make or sell and why do you like or recommend it?

Jennifer: Czela Bellies come in only one style - the boyshort style underwear. The reason women love them is because not only are they sexy and pretty, the boyshort style offers the modesty and sensibility required when dealing with all one has to deal with in those weeks and months after birth. Meant to be worn after the scar site no longer requires medical attention, and up to about a year until you no longer feel the need to provide protection against that sensitive area. Even women without c-sections are grabbing these little undies up as well!

Examiner: Why did you start your business?

Jennifer:  I actually was 9 months pregnant with my third child when I got laid off from my high tech job of 12 years. After my delivery ended up in a repeat c-section, I was painfully reminded that even with the absolute best doctor/surgeon in the state tending to me, there's still that little nagging twinge you get at the scar site. It's almost like you want to instinctively protect the site, and when it's time to put on your non-maternity clothing again, everything, including underwear, seemed to hit *right there*. After researching, and finding nothing, I decided to go back to my passion for fashion and design and founded Czela Bellies CesareanWear. Less than a year later, we made our first boutique sale!

Examiner: What secret do you have to share with other parents about "having it all" with your family and business?

Jennifer:  There really is something so gratifying to be able to show my boys what mommies can do. I include them in on the progress of the business, including press mentions, or television appearances. My toddler is actually my Vice President of Inspiration. Your family obligations shouldn't hold you back. It will help! I think sharing the successes with them is a tip for other parents. I am grateful to them for being such a supportive bunch. Having it all to me means having a love filled relationship with my husband and kids. Anything that comes from the business is just icing on the cake.

Examiner: What is the number one piece of advice you have for other parents?

Jennifer:  Be present at the playground. It breaks my heart to see moms and dads with a phone stuck to their ear, or a Blackberry out at the park. Your business can wait.

Examiner: What is your (and your kids) favorite family activity?

Jennifer: We love playing music. Well, they play, I watch. Sometimes I sing, but then I get hushed by the kids. If I'm lucky, they'll hand me a tambourine. We may not be the Partridge Family, but we have fun anyway! As a matter of fact, our (almost 3 year old) Cash has named his "band", "Trouble at the B.B.Q." Gotta love that!