| Written by Amy Storer-Scalia, on 01-05-2009 13:05 |
Chic Spotlight: Dawn Bierschwal with Becoming Mom Spa
She launched her unique pregnancy spa and imaging center concept here in the Tri-State, and now it's going national. Learn more about this Mommy Mecca!
Cincy Chic: What is Becoming Mom Spa?
Dawn Bierschwal, owner of Becoming Mom Spa: It's a pregnancy spa and imaging center. We have a unique focus on pregnant women and new moms. We can take care of other women -- and do -- but women who are expecting are our priority. We do a full range of spa services from pedicures to waxing, and we also do 4-D imaging, so moms can see their baby's features.
Cincy Chic: Why are spa services important for a pregnant woman?
Bierschwal: First of all, the body is going through a lot of changes. The changing hormones, increased strain, swelling, water retention, aches and pains make life uncomfortable. We can do something about that. In addition, all our therapists are pre-natal certified, so they are able to take care of our clients better than a regular massage therapist. Everyone from our massage therapists to our estheticians are knowledgeable about things like a pregnant woman's pressure points and vena cava, which controls blood flow to the baby. Also, our products are all-natural so they're safe for the mom and baby.
Cincy Chic: Is there anything else like the Becoming Mom Spa in the area?
Bierschwal: The closest one is in Lexington, Baby Belly Spa. But that is actually one of our spas. After seeing the success at our Mason location here locally, we started up others across the U.S. in cities such as Sacramento, New York City and Fayetteville, N.C.
Cincy Chic: Tell us about the idea development process for your concept.
Bierschwal: While I was working at P&G, about eight years ago, I saw an article about an elective ultrasound center opening here in Cincinnati. It was called Fetal Photo, and it was opening in Kenwood. I went to California to learn more about centers like this. That's really where everything starts first, right? I visited lots of ultrasound centers and talked to lots of moms-to-be and realized a need for pregnancy spa services in addition to the imaging. Doctors have been telling women for years that they simply must deal with the aches and pains. We're now learning that's not true and you can do something about it! So much research supports the power of spa services, especially for pregnant women or women who want to become pregnant.
Cincy Chic: Do you provide services specifically for women who want to become pregnant?
Bierschwal: Actually, yes. We do something called a "preconception massage," and we're seeing great success from it. It increases blood flow and reduces stress hormones. Reducing the stress levels and relaxing the woman is critical to conception. Many of our clients have become pregnant since receiving this service, which is really gratifying to know.
We're also learning that massage increases the success of a pregnancy once the woman does become pregnant. Massage has so many more benefits than just being a pampering service. But moms do need pampering, too! It's a great gift to give an expectant mom!
Cincy Chic: What are your clients getting at Becoming Mom Spa that they don't get at their doctors' offices?
Bierschwal: Insurance only covers a 2-D or 3-D diagnostic ultrasound, usually only once, between 18 and 26 weeks. They do not cover elective ultrasound, and they usually don't provide 4-D images unless there is something wrong with the baby. The 4-D technology allows us to see the baby's features, so you can see what the baby will look like! In addition, doctor's offices don't allow a group of family members or have flexible night and weekend hours. But some moms want to involve their other children or their entire family in on this special time, so we provide the opportunity for them to be able to do so.
Cincy Chic: What are some of your unique imaging services?
Bierschwal: We do DVDs recorded to music, which people can show at baby showers for example. We also have a service called Sonolive, so friends and family can log on and see the service being provided. Many moms-to-be do this for out of town family or husbands in Iraq. We can also provide them with a CD of their images or upload the pictures to our site for sharing, depending on their package.
Cincy Chic: What's it like to provide such a special moment to expectant moms?
Bierschwal: It's an amazing experience. The mom brings their loved ones, so everyone can share one of the most special moments in their life together in a friendly environment - not alone in some cold doctor's office. Every day, we see the biggest smiles and hear "It's a boy!," "It's a girl," or "We're having TWINS?!" exclaimed. We're honored to make those moments happen.
Cincy Chic: What's some of the feedback you receive from clients about their experience?
Bierschwal: On the imaging side, our clients say it's so much better than a doctor's office. And that's not a doctor's office's fault. They are paid to do diagnostics in a timely fashion. Because we do elective ultrasound, we have the mother in mind and meet her needs on her schedule. On the spa side, we put the mom's worries at ease because we are trained to focus on whatever their problem may be. The experience is much more relaxed because it's safe. Also, it's nice to create a place where pregnant women are surrounded by other pregnant women. Anywhere else, everyone seems so skinny!
Cincy Chic: How can someone contact you or learn more?
Bierschwal: They can visit BecomingMomSpa.com or call (513) 770-6730.
PHOTO CREDITS
Courtesy of BecomingMomSpa.com
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