- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Natural Resources
Categories: Shopping Fashion Maternity Wear Education Adult Education Shopping Baby Gear & Furniture Maternity Wear, Adult Education, Baby Gear & Furniture [Edit]
1367 Valencia St(between 24th St & 25th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 550-2611
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Andrew S. said: "Underglass .........! Underglass is far and away the best framer in the city. This shop is looked like the dream of heaven. An amazing shop for framing. Glorious frames. UV protected glass is available. The price is incredibly…" read more »
67 reviews for Natural Resources
Review Highlights
"We took a childbirth class here and it was wonderful."
(in 6 reviews)
"...to build community for new parents and local practitioners."
(in 6 reviews)
"The classes are also a bit on the pricey side but well..."
(in 28 reviews)
Loading...
67 reviews in English
-
Review from Bradley S.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2011
I hear they have become a nonprofit are are asking for donations!! Maybe 501(c)3 will be coming soon and we can get a tax write off!!
-
Review from Booboo S.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2011
My husband and I took the core series of classes at Natural Resources (child birth, breastfeeding, newborn care) and we were both very satisfied with what we learned. I certainly appreciate that they are more "alternative" than other places in SF such as Day One, etc. I also appreciate that their store serves as a place to hang out if you are in the neighborhood and need a comfortable place to breastfeed, change a diaper or just let your little one play for a spell while you have a sit-down.
My only complaint, and it's relatively small, is that some of the employees in the store come off as flippant at times. I especially find this true when I've asked about prices or their return policy on items... I feel like I get an attitude of "why are you asking about this".
While their store is in a less tony part of SF and like I said above is more alternative, it's still plenty pricey and 'boutique'. I don't mind supporting them because I think they do great work. -
Review from Nicole F.
San Francisco, CA
9/12/2011
It was my first visit to Natural Resources. I pass it almost daily since it's so near my home. I went in and stood at the wrap desk to ask where to be directed for a class that they were having, and the young lady was so rude! She pretty much ignored me then grunted "I'M BUSY!!!" and turned and walked off quickly. I stood there for a few minutes and no one that worked there acknowledged my presence. I found the class eventually because some one came in berating me with questions about what was I doing there (as if to suggest I didn't belong there). As I was leaving, the girl rolls her eyes and goes "sorry, I was busy." I WILL NEVER SPEND A DIME IN THAT STORE, NOR WILL I SUGGEST THAT RUDE PLACE TO ANYONE.
Now about the class. I also wouldn't recommend ANY of the doulas in the SF Birth Doula group (not to be confused with SF Birth Doula Collective, a different group). They were stand-offish, and obviously ignored me. They pounced on one of the soon-to-be mothers who asked a question as if she didn't deserve a doula because she wasn't clear on something. Before the class started, one of them walked up to me and rudely asserts "AND WHO ARE YOU?" and hammers me with questions about if I'm a doula, a nurse, lord forbid that I'm a woman about to conceive a child and happen to be doing a little research before getting knocked up or a GROWN WOMAN who lives in the neighborhood. She made me feel like I didn't belong there.
To be clear, I am not sensitive, but she singled me out and made it clear that she did not feel I should be there, where as the other mothers who did not look like me were treated slightly more hospitably. Her questions were very abrasive. Whatever her reasoning, I didn't think it was amusing to be so curt once the class got going and she giggled and goes "oh, I'm giving you the third degree!" Not funny!
I was not given any information like the other attendees, and I repeat, I was openly ignored during the question and answer session.
I do not understand why anyone would think that sort of rudeness is okay, busy or not.
I should give one star, but I'm sure there's someone, somewhere, who they will be polite to, but if that isn't you, stay far away from this place and those nasty doulas! They'll treat you like crap and hold their hands out for your (or your partner's) hard earned money. -
Review from WestCoastWahine L.
San Francisco, CA
3/15/2011
I would really, really, really like to like this place because i've been in the neighborhood for many years (and hope to stay for many more). However, I have had enough poor experiences here that I feel deserves the two-star rating:
1. while i was pregnant i wanted to learn about the different diapering options, including the different cloth diapers and composting services. I went in for their "diaper clinic" during the time shown on their website, but when i showed up there was no clinic. instead, a salesperson showed me the shelf of diaper options, but she really wasn't helpful or knowledgeable (she didn't even know about the Earth Baby composting service).
2. when my baby was around 6-weeks -- peak of fussiness -- i went in for their baby and mom support group. the moderator had her toddler there and was very distracted and had to breastfeed her toddler a few times in the middle of the group. she also didn't have much input other than "wear your baby," for pretty much every problem that the moms had. she apologized profusely about her fussy toddler but still...i wasn't coming back again and paying $15 for this.
3. the store seems to have an inventory issue -- once I went in to try on the maya wrap and once to rent a breastpump, and both times they were out. they did end up calling me once the inventory came in, but by then i had already taken my business elsewhere.
4. finally (and this is what prompted me to write this review), i went in today for their drop-in sleep support group at the time indicated on their website, and it was cancelled last minute. it took me a whole day to plan on getting out of the house in time for the sleep support group (and this is on little sleep, hence the need for a support group) so i was quite disappointed when i showed up -- in the rain -- to find out that the session was cancelled.
all in all, i think the concept of a community-centered space with natural baby gear and support groups and classes is great....but this place isn't run as an efficient business, and at the end of the day, that is what it is -- a business. -
Review from Gemma P.
Sebastopol, CA
1/28/2011
Natural Resources is a great, unique, local business that supports healthy parenting in the Bay Area. When my husband and I found out we were pregnant, it opened up so many questions about how we were going to care for our new baby. A visit to Natural Resources was inspiring and fun. We browsed the store, appreciating all the options for baby items that are much healthier than most of what you find at stores like Babies R Us. We also found the woman working there that day to be very helpful, and she even promptly followed up with us about a question we had on the phone.
When I was planning for my baby shower, I found the Natural Resources website to be very helpful. While the selection on the site is not as broad as on some baby websites, the items were very carefully selected and of high quality. I found more items I wanted on my wish list through that site than I did on any other site. If you can't visit the store in person, this is a great option.
I don't live in SF, but if I did I would be very interested to try some of their classes. They have some good offerings with local midwives and doulas, and they have devoted a large part of their store to a classroom. Way to build community for new parents and local practitioners! -
Review from R T.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2011
The best resource in the city:
1 - leaning about cloth diapering! There are so many great cloth alternatives out there other than the basic folded cotton cloth. They really helped me get an idea of what would work for me with out pressure to buy into a big system right away.
2 - Baby carriers - they have a great variety in the store to test out. They are also very helpful with figuring out the easiest way for you to carry your babe in one of these as he grows through different stages. -
Review from Ima D.
San Francisco, CA
10/16/2010
Rule Number one when working in retail: Never make assumptions about your customer.
Yes, this IS the shop "All About Babies". Do not be surprised when you ask me if I have a baby, if I am pregnant, or if I plan on becoming pregnant, and I say, "No. Never. But I like them."
There is no need to be rude. I like babies, and as do 99.9% of your customers, I have a wallet.
I just wanted to buy a present, because I am a female, and most of my friends do want babies.
I spent money in your shop. Don't judge me because I am not a breeder.
Nice stuff, but I won't be back again. -
Review from Kelly G.
San Francisco, CA
6/15/2011
Natural Resources has done a brilliant job creating a community for pregnant women and their partners, new families, and birth workers in the Bay Area. It warms my heart to know that there is a place that a woman can stop by and be warmly welcomed by staff to enjoy a comfy chair, have some tea, and nurse their baby. I frequented NR a many days while pregnant and in my first few months as a Mama, and now, as a doula, I am sure to send my clients there for their classes, fenugreek, or a proper bra fitting.
-
Review from Audrey B.
7/9/2010
I stopped by here to buy a baby present for someone who will not let her kids play with any plastic toys, eat anything inorganic, or wear anything not cotton. This is the kind of store she would love - everything is super organic, super wooden, super natural, super homeopathic, and super duper expensive. If you are going to be an anti-plastic parent, please note that you will be inflicting a huge amount of expense on your friends when they try to buy presents for your kids. Anyway, I managed to find 4 different kinds of wooden rattles hand carved in New Hampshire accompanied by a card showing all the chemicals that were not used while making them. They also had a pretty fun scooty ladybug that I got for the older kid to put some excitement into his life which is dominated by plastic-free, light free, battery free toys.
I noticed that the store was full of moms with little kids and they seemed to have a pretty supportive environment. There were lots of people asking questions about various parent-related things and in the back room there were a bunch of moms nursing in a group. Seems like a good store for new parents, and it is definitely the only local place that I know of that sells baby gear, but be prepared, it is VERY expensive. -
Review from yasmin p.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2010
It is non-essential to become a member within this company/boutique as excited as i was as a new mother. I was exploring and utilizing the neighborhood city and Natural Resources I found to be overpriced and overrated. The staff are somewhat stuck up yet helpful, like a boutique full of top brand items. The list of classes offered do not change over the months, no highlights. If you plan to give birth in a hospital, it might be better to go through birthing classes there. I became a member, but now I realized I could have saved the $95. Although, they offer ten percent off to members twice a month to retail items and ten dollars off each class, I realized it wasn't worth becoming a member. I didn't save any money this way. I feel that I really didn't have to become a member here to satisfy my motherhood or to become a better mother.
I took infant message class, great, but when the teacher saw my baby rolling around, she mentioned aloud that is why this is an infant message classes and we really don't reccommend this for babys five months and over. I felt like my baby was still an infant and if she wanted a message, then she should have one. Other than that. they don't offer anything new or exciting or unique from what a hospital would offer. I expcected neighborhood, local, resources, but insead I got boutique, standard, retail. -
Review from Kristina R.
San Francisco, CA
11/14/2009
Imagine this...you have just experienced the miracle of birth. You are completely in love with your new baby. You love your new life, the completeness of your new family, and the amazing gift of breast feeding your child to a healthy beginning. Mothers all over the planet start singing Kumbaya. And everything is all "happily ever after" and rainbows and unicorns fly out of your butt.
NOT SO, LADIES. Take heed.
Your labor and delivery rips you asunder. Literally.
Post partum depression kicks you into a never-ending crying jag that may or may not destroy your marriage.
Your baby cries...screams...and for the first week or so (when you're the most exhausted) you can't figure out why or make it stop.
Breast feeding is a beast. It's a labor of love that makes your nipples bleed and crack. If you're lucky, you'll only deal with plugged ducts. If you're not so lucky, Mastitis (or "the infection that shall not be named.")
And you'll also have boobs that look like deflated footballs after you're done weaning. No one ever mentions that in the hospital.
When I was reaching the depths of despair, Natural Resources gave me support in the form of helpful staff, classes and support groups, and materials that helped me nurse my poor body back to health.
They had all the necessary products I needed to soothe me during the first few months of breast feeding, and if there were questions, they had the answers.
Also, if you are in need of a doula or midwife, they have monthly meet and greets so you could get a better understanding of what they actually provided.
All in all, we are very pleased with our membership. As new parents, it was comforting to know there was a place to go when we were at our wit's end.
After bringing our baby home from the hospital, we thought we had been duped. It was hard. Excruciatingly so. And there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel.
But in the end, you have this beautiful thing in your arms that coos and batts eyes and makes your Grinch-ly heart swell. It's worth every moment of pain, worry, depression and pure Hell.
Natural Resources is the place to go when you need to be reminded of what it means to be grateful.Listed in: Kid-Friendly San Francisco
-
Review from Montana D.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2009
Horrible experience!
I was blown away recently by the way I was treated here. I registered to take a class from them and needed to cancel with two days notice. I did not ask for my money back. I simply asked to take the class at a different time. I spoke with the manager and the owner and they were very clear that they would not make an exception to their policy, which is that if you cancel with less than 7 days notice, you are out of luck. No store credit. No rescheduling. Nothing.
Way to go Natural Resources for understanding the hectic lives moms live and doing what you can to accommodate us! God forbid you actually do something to keep my business and treat me like an individual rather than a credit card number.
Well, by all means, keep your policy in tact and good luck. Oh, and I hope my $40 for the class was worth losing my business forever.Comment from Cara V. of Natural Resources 9/21/2009
Our cancellation policy is clearly stated at the register,… More » -
Review from Nish N.
8/20/2007
There are so many toxins and who knows what else out there, and you really start to pay attention once you have your own child. Everything NR carries is, well, natural. Or organic. Or very tested and approved, at the very least.
The store is also a great "resource" for parents, since they have classes, information sessions, parents groups, etc.
If you're at all concerned about what your kid wears, sleeps in, feeds from, burps on, and rolls around in, I'd recommend a visit and then some.Listed in: Baby Yelpers
-
Review from Jennifer L.
Belmont, CA
4/10/2008
I wish I'd known about this place sooner! I just went in for the first time today (found out about it, of course, on Yelp!), and wow, it's amazing!
It's great for moms like me who are into organic products that you can't find at conventional baby stores. It's geared toward families from pregnancy through children age 2.Listed in: Toy Stores, What New Parents Should Know
-
Review from Poker Bunny Y.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2008
Boobs everywhere. Bernal/Mission style mamas breastfeeding in a circle of rocking chairs. Awkwardness abounds.
In walks Sarah with her Rich&Skinny Jeans, Tom Ford sunglasses, Juicy Couture tank, and crystallized flip flops. Hey, us store bought, furtherest thing in the universe from natural "tub" birth mamas gotta get our BPA free bottles too. Luckily, they had them here. And I could easily park my Benz right out front for quick getaway. Haha.Listed in: Yummy Mummy Resources
-
Review from Karen W.
Oakland, CA
11/6/2007
Update: I've had a few negative/indifferent experiences with the staff / owner here recently, which dismays me as someone who goes there regularly and has dropped a TON of cash here over the last year. Beware the late fees on any videos or books you borrow from the library if you're a member. It seems like they may have inventory issues as well, because they are always out of stock in something I'm looking for -- the positives remain, but I have to take it down a star.
I like NR for its quality collection of products and relaxed family-friendly vibe -- when I was pregnant I would come here to just sip tea and hang out and look at books from their lending library -- you almost invariably strike up a conversation with another parent or parent-to-be. The membership is worth it for discounts and services like the library. You can weigh your baby here, too. You know that each product sold here has been reviewed by the owner/staff and is going to be good for your little one -- not something you can say about Babies R Us. We took their childbirth prep class (6 week), breastfeeding, and newborn care classes. The classes were good, overall, although the materials were a bit lacking and the space is small and can be hot, especially if you're 8 months pregnant. Our instructor, Michelle Welborn, was fantastic -- knowledgeable and kind.Listed in: My Neighborhood, Family Time
-
Review from Valarie A.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2009 1 Check-in Here
As a new parent living in the mission, this store is the closest one-stop baby shop near my home, and I really wanted to love it. The staff is helpful, but does take a little warming up to. There have been times when I come in for a specific product and not one salesperson says anything to me, which can leave a new parent feeling a bit uneasy about what I really need. Also, there are many items in the store when they only offer one type of item you are looking for (i.e., pacifier - who knows what kind of pacifier is going to work?).
But one plus is, if you are in the hood needing to change your baby, feed your baby, weigh your baby, or pick up medela products, then this is a good stop for you.
I do like that everything is natural and organic and I don't really mind the pricing, but a little more customer service for a new mom would really go a long way. -
Review from Gretchen T.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2009
What a comfortable, relaxing place to shop and explore! After hearing about Natural Resources for months and never making time to go, I finally went at the end of my pregnancy to get fitted for a nursing bra and Sasha helped me figure out sizes and walked me through the different kinds. I gawked at all of the cool kids' stuff and knew I'd be back.
Now that our wee one is here, I have lots of excuses to hang out with Sasha and the other cool people at Natural Resources. We went to find a baby carrier because by the time Liam was two weeks old, I realized that one-handed dish washing, laundry folding, and oatmeal prep while I held him in the other arm was going to get old. And I would soon starve b/c one-handed food prep doesn't actually work.
So Sasha calmly helped me brave the wide world of baby slings, packs, and carriers--all of which you can rent by the week and try on at Natural Resources without pressure. And without irritation when inevitably your infant needs to be fed 10 minutes after you get there. We just plopped down in one of the three different glider/rocking chairs in the middle of the store for this purpose and did our thing, then resumed the baby carrier comparison afterward. Liam chose the Ergo carrier, and now mommy gets to make oatmeal and tea and even consume them, all while holding my happy baby close to me.
I think the main reason people go to Natural Resources is for the classes. Childbirth prep, breastfeeding, new parent, and so on. My friends have loved the classes and I am signed up for a new mothers circle. I have heard great things about Tracy Masselon's classes in particular (and have used and loved her as a post-partum doula). There is also a lending library of videos and books and other resources (free if you become a member for $95/yr).
Thanks to Natural Resources, I have never once had to step foot in Babies R Us! I'm sure it's a fine store and have been told by more than one mom friend that I'm a freak for avoiding it, but I get hives in windowless, labrynthian megastores designed to make you spend hard-earned bucks on things you never even knew existed (butt wipe warmers, really?).Listed in: Oh Baby!
-
Review from Stephanie W.
Oakland, CA
7/15/2007
Not just your typical baby clothing or chain maternity wear store. Natural Resources is for the mom or mom-to-be who is looking for the best of the best baby gear including organic clothing, cloth diapers, PVC-free bottles, great strollers and furniture, breastfeeding supplies and an extensive range of books on pregnancy, parenting, etc.
In addition to their new Mission-based retail shop they also offer great childbirth prep classes, doula trainings, mommy & me groups and a variety of other mom/baby friendly workshops and info sessions.
The owner of the shop is fabulous and hand-picks every line that she carries in the store.
I love how much care goes into the selection of all the products and that the store feels so warm and inviting, unlike other similar places in the city.
They don't have a formal gift registry or store online yet, but they're working on it. If you're interested in doing your registry here, definitely inquire at the store, they can absolutely do it for you. -
Review from Amy K.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2008
Oh god. I have to update this review now that I have had my child and am no longer cranky and pregnant. My original issue still stands (below), but I have been to NR many times since my baby was born and, well, most of the people who work there are sweet and knowledgable. And I love that there is somewhere near my home where I can pop in and meet with a lactation consultant without paying out the hiney for the privilege. Plus, I rented a sling to make sure I would really like it. That's pretty huge. Sorry, NR!
Also, the dum-dum in the review below has not been spotted by me since that terrible day.
Oh god, I was really cranky.
Okay. You know what? I was so excited when I finally got pregnant, and I pored over the NR website looking for all the cool classes I could take. My midwife also specifically recommended this place as the right spot for me to find a mama's group -- a support group of other pregnant women with similar due dates, talking about the same things. I was all into the vibe, the groovy organic goods, and trusted I'd have all the various options at my eager fingertips. Baby Boppy versus Breast Friend? They'd have both, with reasoned arguments for each!
Fast-forward to today: I finally plodded in after work, after weeks of not being able to get to the store because -- why? -- because they don't open till 11 and close at 7. What's that, you say? Some mommies have to work for a living? The hell you say!
But really, what upset me was the general ignorance of the lonely little dipstick in charge of the store. Here, a one-act play dramatizing my interaction with said dipstick:
-Do you have one of those pillows that protects my back when I sleep?
-Uh, no... it's weird, I think we ran out of those, I guess they're gonna order them...
-Huh. Can I use this wedge between my knees, the way one of my mommy friends suggested?
-No, no, that's *only* for under your belly.
-Hokay. So I won't get that. Can you tell me if I can sign up for a mommy's group of similar-due date women, communing together in mutual support, as my midwife recommended?
- No. No, we absolutely don't have those. We only have classes, and they're [this is the punchline, folks] only for after you give birth.
Okay. Now that you've read my dramatic re-enactment, click on the link above and go to their website. Go! Do it now! Do it in a new tab, so you can come back here after! Did you go? DID YOU SEE THE CHILDBIRTH PREP SERIES?? Well, GUESS WHO DIDN'T!
I feel so bad for my lovely midwife, who is laboring (haw) under the impression that they do have pregnancy support groups at NR. I mean, she's the one who sent me there, but clearly she's not as well-informed as the dipstick who can't read her own store's website.
'Scuse me, I'm off to ruminate on my childbirth phobia, which I really thought was going to be allayed by some kick-ass sisterhood... then I'm going to call these sancti-hippies and demand my membership money back.
p.s. And they only carry Breast Friend, not Baby Boppy, so you're SOL if you've come out on the "wrong" end of that debate.
I hate them. And I'm their target audience! And I still hate them. Sadness! -
Review from Burrito M.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2010
Interesting little shop we came across here.
I typically walk into a baby shop and hate it, all of the products are crap - made in china, unknowledgeable staff, stuff is meant to look cute rather than safe/functional. I generally leave disgusted and feel I must research on my own to find what I am looking for. I did not get that feeling at Natural Resources. What a surprise.
I've been doing a lot of online research into natural and non-toxic baby products and found that all of the products I've selected in my research are offered here. Not only that, they have a well trained staff to help educate you on choosing what's right for you - i.e. baby carriers, diapering, feeding, etc. Kinda expensive compared to the prices you can find online, but I guess they gotta pay rent.
Looks like they also hold classes here, I might have to give some a shot. My very first visit showed that this shop has quite a bit of promise. -
Review from Marjorie P.
South San Francisco, CA
9/14/2011
Went here on a Monday morning to attend the Breastfeeding Mother's Circle (meeting) suggested by my lactation
consultant. The place is really easy to get to and it's just a few doors down from Anthony's Cookies hehehe! Lots of street parking at around 10-11am.
It costed me $25 to attend the group session, although there's some sort of discount should you decide to be a member.
I think it's worth it for a one hour meeting though because you walk away with invaluable information from a board certified lactation consultant, who assists you with all of your breastfeeding questions and concerns. The woman leading the group (Tracy?) wasn't the nicest lady, but she wasn't rude either. She just seemed like she just woke up and would've liked to be some place other than there! Lol
The place has an area where you can change your little one and you can also come by at any time to use the scale and weigh your newborn. They have diapers for you to use at no charge :)
I like that the store offered a wide variety of Medela products such as various flange sizes and tubing for your breast pump. The tubing isn't available at Babies r Us and the only other place I was able to find flanges was on amazon. So that's a big plus!
They have a wide range of herbal pills and teas to aid with milk supply issues. Its all natural and those aren't available anywhere.
I particularly like how they had many slings and baby carriers to choose from and (if they're not busy) there's a gal who can assist you with trying them on. The store has a small selection of maternity clothes and a whole wall of nursing bras.
I agree with other reviewers that the staff there is so-so, but I'm impressed with product selection for newborns and breastfeeding moms. -
Review from Thanya S.
Albany, CA
5/31/2009
Granola? That's just a label. Everyone wants to make the best choices for the health of their children and the environment they grow up in.
I'm an advocate of this store. I have found them helpful for obtaining information for a whole range of topics that every new parent faces. The store offers a lot of useful products for mom and baby. It does cost more, but it's up to you to decide what is a good investment.
They offer information and workshops on doulas, diapering, breastfeeding, etc. And they have a program to educate other people who are interested in helping mothers. I'm meeting with a potential doula tomorrow and found the "Meet the Doulas" session informative. So far, it's worked out for me.
I think a previous reviewer had different expectations. If you're looking for more support from other mothers, the Berkeley Parents Network is a great free resource, and Golden Gate Mothers Group is supposed to be worth the membership fee. -
Review from bianca francesca o.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2011
As the mom of a new sprout, I need to escape from the baby cave as much as possible for supplies and sanity's sake. During my preggo months I didn't realize just how much I would appreciate this store being within blocks of my house. I've picked up much needed nursing bras, bpa-free bottles, and a rattle that works amazingly to calm a crying baby. I make sure all my walks pass by Natural Resources because there is always something I need to pick up and because, well, I'd rather not breastfeed in the bathroom of a cafe. I am endlessly thankful for the functioning gliders in the store--it's a safe space for popping out the milk makers.
Listed in: Mama-landia!
-
Review from Ginny B.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2009
We love natural Resources. They have great classes with awesome instructors, they are a great resource for all sorts of pre-natal and baby needs, and the store carries the safe and natural versions of all the baby items we need. I love just going in there to change and weigh our baby when I'm in the neighborhood. It's a great chill environment. They have a breastfeeding circle, which my partner found very helpful during the early breastfeeding challenges.
We took our childbirth classes here (the 6 week natural birth class) and it was so helpful. Tracy was our instructor, and I would highly recommend her, as well. I also took a baby massage class here, though my baby was a bit too curious about the other babies to actually get a massage. The classes here are much better than the classes we took at UCSF. They don't feel at all rushed, which in a birth class is extremely important. The goal here is to become familiar and relaxed with the methods to help you in your labor, and to be as informed as possible, but in a relaxed comforting way. At UCSF we felt the information was packed so tightly into a short time that it was stressful. At Natural Resources, there was time to absorb and practice the methods, and also get to know one another. We are still friends with some of our classmates.
The staff is awesome, helpful and enthusiastic about babies. -
Review from Jackline L.
Baltimore, MD
9/11/2008
Welcome to crunchy, granola mama heaven! I LURVE this place. If you want to go the natural, organic mama route this place is perfect, if not a bit pricey. The selection of products is great, however, and if you are into the idea of cloth diapering, this has been the only place (so far) that I have been able to find cloth diapers, covers, and accessories without having to comb through the Internet.
The classes are also a bit on the pricey side but well worth the money. I definitely recommend the Breastfeeding Class if you plan to do so and I can't wait until the Newborn Care and Parenting Class.
The one thing I would say against the store, however, is that if you don't strike them as the crunchy type by your appearance, find yourself perusing the store on your own for awhile, which I am more than happy to do anyway (who really likes pushy salespeople?). -
Review from Diane R.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2009
My husband and I took the childbirth series at Natural Resources before the birth of our son. We were looking for an overview of childbirth and we were hoping for a natural birth.
Tracy was our teacher and we got a great education on natural birthing. Although I ended up going against everything I was taught I still felt that the classes were very helpful and educational in all of our choices that we made during my labor.
The store is fantastic. They have great, safe products. I have been wanting to take some additional classes there but the trek from Marin is a bit to long. -
Review from Liza T.
San Francisco, CA
6/30/2008
Thank you, Natural Resources, for existing and for being so close to where I live and roam.
Lovely boutique with reasonable prices for the essentials. Higher-end organic/ natural items can be costly, but worth the price if that's how you roll. Awesome benefits for members, great classes and resource binders. Helpful staff who's always willing to take time with customers.
Most of all, a sweet place to drop in, change/ feed/ weigh baby. A good community center to meet other moms, chat and take refuge from the hub-bub. -
Review from Alex T.
San Francisco, CA
7/11/2008
Mindfulness in pregnancy, childbirth and parenting - this should be their tag line. This is the place in the city of eco-friendly products and information. Cara is a wealth of information and the classes are great.
This is a perfect example of how to build local community and awareness. -
Review from S S.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2008
We took their Childbirth series -- six weeks, three hours a week. Seemed extreme, and at times, it was overly thorough. But, overall it was great and I actually managed to have the baby without drugs.
I go there now for baby stuff, and to breastfeed if we're out and about and the babe is freaking. They've got water, cookies and nice chairs. The staff is funny and helpful.
Parking is non-metered and pretty easy, too! -
Review from Christian G.
San Francisco, CA
10/4/2010
I am glad there is a store for pregnant and infants nearby my home. Love the things they sell but the only thing I wish is that they have sales. Some of their things are too expensive.
-
Review from Rebecca P.
Oakland, CA
6/15/2011
Natural Resources is one of the premiere resources for families in the Bay Area. I am so excited that they have added an online registry so that my East Bay and Marin clients can also easily send family and friends to a high quality local shop for their gifts and supplies. I have only ever had positive experiences here, and look forward to many more years of quality gear, groups, and community events!
-
Review from Jess L.
Berkeley, CA
6/28/2010
This was the only place in the Bay Area I could find that (a) had a baby carrier in stock that would fit my very small frame (a mei tai) and (b) had a worker with the knowledge to advise me how to fit it properly. They also had the best selection of nursing bras in stock that I've yet seen. A really lovely little shop for all your babywearing, breastfeeding, organic baby equipment needs.
-
Review from Maggie H.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2011
This is a great place for moms to be or new moms and dads. They offer all kinds of classes that prepare you for childbirth and host a monthly event where you can go and get to know the bay area doulas and midwifes. They also offer great classes for new moms such as a breastfeeding circle and sleep support classes. I took the vaccinations class for $25 and left feeling like I had some good information with which to make decisions on vaccinating my little girl.
They have baby clothes toys feeding and diapering essentials as well as baby carriers, and strollers. You can just stop by and they will show you how to wear baby in a carrier before you purchase it. Besides baby gear they carry nursing bras and products.
They also have a lending library with educational books and dvd's.
In only wish the prices were a it cheaper.... -
Review from Stephanie P.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2011
This is my favorite place in all of San Francisco. When I was pregnant it was a haven, to sip some cold water, eat a snack and just share with the staff and all the new mama's there. Now that my baby is older and I am not so needed as a new mom, I look back with fondness and gratefulness.
-
Review from starla s.
Oakland, CA
5/18/2010
I started this revision 9 months ago (appropriate) and figured I should finish it as I just got a nasty message from an anonymous yelper upset that the majority of my reviews are negative. Guess I dont spend time just reviewing and reviewing, but rather use this a a forum to vent. Am I the only one??
Long story short, I actually love Natural Resources now! Please forgive me Natural Resources! Super nice and helpful, a second home for new moms in the Mission. Still an expensive little boutique, but actually also quite a network and support.
I was TOTALLY overwhelmed by all the shit being thrown at me to buy when I needed a network and real information. Actually, my midwife turned it all around (eff corporate birth industry, go homebirth!). Thanks/sorry Natural Resources. -
Review from Aimee G.
4/17/2008
Crunchy or not, this place is great for all mamas. I love that I can find organic and natural products for myself and my baby in one store. Also, the staff is very helpful. When I was looking for slings and carriers, they showed me how to use the different options. Those things can be intimidating for us newer baby-wearing mamas!
-
Review from Sam L.
San Francisco, CA
7/12/2008
I really want to like this place more, since they sell a lot of great products here. The downside is that every time I walk in here, I'm treated like I'm invisible. I practically have to beg someone to take my money. And as a sleep-deprived, time-constrained new mother, I'm just not in the mood.
-
Review from Amanda P.
Oakland, CA
11/1/2010
We took a childbirth class here and it was wonderful! Tracy, our teacher is amazing. We learned so much and got so many recommendations and connections. I am so much more calm and happy about my upcoming birth because of their "resources".
-
Review from Beth W.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2009
There are so many awesome things about this store: the location near BART, the plethora of useful baby and mama products, the nursing stations (and tea and snacks), the lending library of slings, books and videos for members, the multitude of useful classes... but the best thing is the staff, who offer advice (and pep talks) when you need them most. Yes, it costs a little more, but for the whole package of customer care, carefully chosen products and a bit of peace for crazed, sleep-deprived new mothers, this place is worth it.
