Heather ONeal, who is certified as a midwife, nurse and lactation consultant, founded Breastfeeding for Busy Moms in 2021 to support women and babies through breastfeeding education and consulting. The business grew quickly, expanding from in-home and telehealth visits to a space in the Seneca Center and then to an even larger home on Coombs Farm Road. The former cafe was completely gutted and renovated to accommodate three exam rooms, a community space, and an administrative office. Front and center is a breastfeeding and pumping supplies boutique, currently the only one of its kind in the region.
ONeal remained tuned in to the needs of mothers and babies. She was driven to expand her offerings to include primary care services for women and those who identify as women, such as postpartum visits, regular annual exams, pap smears, and biopsies. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommended 12 weeks of ongoing support after birth. However, most health insurance companies still only allow a single postpartum appointment with an obstetrician about six weeks postpartum.
In early 2024, Breastfeeding for Busy Moms rebranded as Busy Moms Healthcare. The team, which includes ONeal, Meredith Nimitz and Sarah Woods, can provide a personalized touch absent from most larger medical establishments. New patient visits last one hour, in contrast to the 15 minutes allotted by many other providers. Appointments are offered during the early morning and evening hours, assuring care for those with a variety of scheduling needs.
Social support is crucial for producing positive outcomes for mothers and babies. Busy Moms Healthcare hosts a monthly gathering for new moms at the Cheat Lake Library, complete with childcare and a free meal provided by local businesses. With a holistic range of services and a positive yet grounded attitude, ONeal and her team are making great strides toward improving women’s health in West Virginia.
EVA MURPHY is a freelance business writer for The Dominion Post. She writes a column on businesses, churches and other entities in the city. To suggest a topic, email her at DPNews@DominionPost.com.
