(WSB photos. Above, Nurturing Expressions founder Tracy Corey)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Not only has Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor) moved into a new, bigger, more-accessible street-level storefront in The Junction, it’s dramatically expanded what’s in stock.

Proprietor Tracy Corey is a registered nurse who’s been a compression therapist as well as a lactation consultant, and as we noted here back in 2011, related items have long been mainstays for Nurturing Expressions.

But now that NE’s West Seattle store has moved across the street to 4727 44th SW, you will find a lot more there. And two in-store events this Tuesday and Wednesday just might be the perfect opportunity for you to explore the store. We stopped by a few days ago for a firsthand look:

“We cover everybody now – from birth to end-of-life,” Corey explained, showing us around the store.

On the front end, there are nursing bras, other apparel for nursing moms, breast pumps, even snacks that are nutritionally targeted to nursing moms. You’ll also find baby carriers, diaper bags, teethers and rattles (made from natural wood), even a line of bath toys that make it fun for little ones to get clean (terrycloth creatures into which you can place the soap, for examples).

They’ve added items for older kids, too, including lunch bags and backpacks. Many of their vendors are local.

Covering all genders and ages are the compression socks and other specialized leg wear – such as runners’ socks, velcro-fastened socks for people with mobility challenges.

There’s also merchandise for mastectomy patients, including sleeves and prosthetics.

Corey points out that, even more than the items they sell, their spotlight is on customer service. Besides what you’ll find in the store, they go mobile with delivery (which is how she started the business); they deal with local hospitals; and they deal with insurance, so when you check in with them, they’ll ask how they can help, and you might find they’re able to be more helpful than you could have imagined. Corey also gives big props to her vice president of operations, Shannon Reilly:

They extend a special invitation for you to visit during upcoming events such as tomorrow (Tuesday, June 13th), 11 am-4 pm, Medi-Leg Day, including free leg-health screenings – full details are in our calendar listing. And on Wednesday (June 14th), also 11 am-4 pm, it’s the Cake Lingerie Maternity Party – details in this calendar listing. (The “local vendor” philosophy will carry through even to the treats they’re offering during the special events – from nearby Husky Deli.)

Also – there’s a weekly breastfeeding clinical support group that Corey offers at the shop weekly, Wednesdays 10 am-11:30 am, $10, just show up and you’re in. The new store location has a big room for this and other classes/events, as well as drop-in use:

If you’re in The Junction and need to feed your baby or change a diaper, drop in any time during their 10 am-6 pm Monday-Saturday hours. That goes for the first two days (July 14-15) of West Seattle Summer Fest next month, too. You’re also invited to call Nurturing Expressions for a phone consultation, 206-763-2733. And by the way, they’re in Poulsbo, too, if you find yourself on the west side of the Sound.