Molly McDermott has been part of Western New York's diverse health and wellness community for several years, working in fields such as yoga, holistic consulting, detoxification, spa treatments, doula services, training birth partners in acupressure, and more. Then, the lightbulb went on. What if all of these services — and a few extras — were available under one roof? It would be an incredible convenience for moms-to-be.
That’s when McDermott reached out to a couple of friends — childbirth educators Rachel Carreras Tibold and Nicole Maples Covert — to do a little brainstorming. The result was the birth of an innovative new wellness group called Creative Motherhood.
Located at 726 Main St. in East Aurora, Creative Motherhood at Creative Wellness Center East Aurora provides holistic and comprehensive services — and physical and emotional wellness — for women and their families through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. McDermott, who serves as director of Creative Motherhood, brings her skills in prenatal and postpartum yoga, support groups and doula services to the company, while Tibold and Covert focus on doula services and breastfeeding support. Tibold also specializes in the use of essential oils in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
The fourth member of the Creative Motherhood team is Amy Hartl, a licensed massage therapist experienced in prenatal and postpartum massage.
“I feel this business is unique because it provides a variety of services and addresses many needs for women, all in one physical location,” McDermott says. “It’s what you might call a one-stop shop, where women and families know they will have access to many services to fulfill their needs in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Pregnancy is such a busy time for families with planning, baby showers, and visits to their obstetrician or midwife. Our program makes it easier and less time-consuming by providing everything at one place.
“At the time Creative Wellness Center East Aurora was opening, Rachel, Nicole, and I were discussing starting our own doula, pregnancy, and postpartum business for women and families,” McDermott continues. “We had been talking about our business for approximately two to three months. I was already planning on teaching yoga there when Susan Garguiolo, the owner of the Creative Wellness Center, gave me the opportunity to develop a comprehensive prenatal/postpartum program. Everything seemed to be lining up and the timing was right. I then asked Rachel, Nicole, and Amy if they would like to be a part of the program, which eventually became Creative Motherhood.
“Physical, mental and emotional preparation for childbirth is very important, and we can offer relief from physical ailments in pregnancy and postpartum, along with our knowledge and support,” McDermott adds. “The result will be a more positive birth experience, a reduction in stress, and a greater bonding experience with your baby, partner, and family.”
But being a unique business also has unique challenges, which the women at Creative Motherhood are continuing to discover. Let’s call them growing pains.
“I think the biggest challenge we have had so far is getting the word out about our new program and services,” said McDermott. “We recently put out a marketing blast that sparked a great deal of interest in a short amount of time. We’ve also been hosting meet-and-greet opportunities and representing ourselves at certain events, and just trying to invite the community into the center. All of our efforts and hard work are helping to bring awareness to what we have to offer, and we will continue to make every effort to help the program grow and serve as many women and families as we possibly can.”