Meet the NICU mum behind the inclusive Melbourne baby boutique Kounelakia

Before Maria was hanging Earlybirds garments in her beautiful Melbourne based boutique, she was dressing her miracle boy Oliver in them. ‘We used Earlybirds singlets over many of his early months as we couldn't disconnect his CPAP while dressing him. I absolutely love the products you design and know from lived experience how important and personal they are.’ shares Maria. 

Born at 32 weeks after a complicated pregnancy, Oliver spent 184 days in NICU and endured many blood tests and extensive genetic testing as well as steroids, a sweat test, CT scan, bronchoscopy and lung biopsy. At 8 weeks old Oliver was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease (chILD) which is an umbrella term for rare children's lung disease. ‘Little did my husband Alex and I know that our NICU stay would be an extensive one.’ says Maria.

After 5 months on CPAP ventilator he was finally able to transition to High Flow and after 6 months in the NICU Maria and Alex were provided the tools and equipment to take their baby home. Oliver still requires ongoing pressure and oxygen support for his lungs at home. ‘Hospital in the home has had its challenges but there is nothing greater than finally having him home.’ says Maria. Oliver is currently on pressure 12 and having free time 3-5 times a day for 45 minutes to an hour, go Oliver! Recently Oliver was able to have the ‘normal’ and magical experience of a visit to Melbourne Zoo and he has participated in two Walk For Prems events, one of which was virtual whilst in the NICU and raised almost $1000. 

It was while Oliver was in hospital that Maria had the idea to start her own online baby business. Maria says ‘I remember going to a Baby Expo while Oliver was in the hospital to see if I could find somewhere that had some NICE prem clothes and things for him. I found nothing. The stores had no idea what I was even talking about. That’s really when Kounelakia was born. In my head I was already at work at creating a space to be open, to share, to feel included and your family thought of.’

Despite the emotional, physical and financial demands of being a medical mumma and the many specialist appointments that go with it, Maria found the time to turn her dream into a reality and launched Kounelakia (kou-ne-la-kia) which means ‘cute little bunnies’ in Greek. Maria is passionate about providing families a place to purchase the best products available to help through the early days of having a baby, either in the hospital or at home or with complex care needs. 

Just over six months later and together with her husband Alex they opened the doors to their store at The Glen in Glen Waverley, Victoria. Here you can find beautiful gifts for babies and toddlers as well as more tailored products such as their gorgeous range of Greek cards, prints and educational resources for bilingual Greek children learning the Greek language, Premenstrual Tea, Colostrum Kits, NGT & Oxygen Tapes, NICU Warrior items, NICU Milestone Cards and premature baby sleepsuits and clothing including Earlybirds, as well as her ‘Remembering Angels’ range, a collection of cards, journals and keepsakes specifically designed to acknowledge Pregnancy and Infant Loss.

It is these important and often underrepresented offerings, combined with Maria’s passion for supporting small Australian owned and women run businesses that makes Kounelakia so special and unique. The store also offers a drop off point for unused disposable nappies on behalf of The Nappy Collective and at their Baby Expo stalls you will find things like PANDA resources. Little things that make a big difference to the parents of premmie and sick babies. It’s evident Maria and Alex have learned a lot from their NICU experience and the time spent caring for Oliver in the months since. They are currently working on becoming NDIS providers and stockists of therapy tools and equipment for children. 

Earlybirds is delighted to be a part of such an innovative and inclusive store. If you live locally, find them at The Glen, 235 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley Victoria 3150.

Learn more about Kounelakia at @kounelakia.co or kounelakia.com and keep up to date with Oliver's progress, updates and adventures at @theveryhungryoliver