BEST EMERGING NEW BUSINESS: Providing support for new mums
Natal Fitness provides pre and post natal fitness programmes and support to mothers in Cavan.
Founded by single mother of one Aoife Smith, Natal Fitness is having a “really positive impact on new mums” in the community.
Two years ago, Aoife recognised a “significant gap” in support for pregnant and postpartum women in Ireland and “particularly” in Cavan.
“As a new mum myself I know first hand of the physical and mental challenges that come along with being a new mum.
“This is not just about fitness this is about recovery, empowerment and and creating connections within the community.”
The business began during the pandemic when Aofie started offering her services online, providing exercise programmes to new mums “to help them navigate the complexities of postpartum recovery from the comfort of their own homes.”
Fast forwarding to now, the fitness enthusiast has expanded to provide in-person services, providing a “safe and supportive environment for women to exercise and bring their babies along with them.”
Aoife explained the support element of her business comes about “during the conversations and the chats in between the workouts and after class.”
“It comes from one mum sharing her experience and another mum sharing her experience and each mum is so individual and each mum has her own story to tell.”
“My knowledge and understanding of the postpartum body means that women feel comfortable about opening up and sharing their experience in this way without any judgement,” she said, adding that within her classes she strives to “normalise” conversations about pelvic health and postpartum recovery.
“By offering tailored workouts I help women to regain their strength and confidence.”
She has launched her reconnect and rebuild mum and baby fitness course with an “incredible” response.
“In the first six months my attendance doubled and now a year later I have been able to offer the course in a second location just outside Cavan town.
“That has sold out reflecting the growing need for this demand and for this specialsied support in our community.”
She said winning the best emerging business awards would “not only validate” her efforts, it would also “amplify the message that new mums deserve specialised care and support.”
“There really is nothing else like this around and that is evident as I have clients traveling to me from other counties,” she said.
Contact us
Natal Fitness offers their classes in Cavan and Ballyjamesduff.
Website: https://www.natalfitness.ie/