I’m excited to introduce you to Meagan O’Neill, an Ipswich mom and owner of Ahoy Baby, a pediatric physical therapy and wellness clinic for children. After a year of local pop-ups, Meagan opened a physical location for Ahoy Baby last fall, in Topsfield and I was lucky enough to tour the space right after she opened. You can peek inside with me in this post or this IG Reel. Keep reading to learn more about her background, what types of treatments, services and classes she provides at Ahoy Baby and of course, her North Shore favorites for dining, exploring and more!
Where are you from originally and what town do you live in now?
I am originally from CT and now live in Ipswich. We lived in Charleston, South Carolina prior to moving up here.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have a son named Duke, who is 5 years old and a fur baby, named Grady, who is 11 years old.
What’s your favorite family activity on the North Shore?
We love going to the beach, specifically Crane Beach or Pavilion Beach. My son also loves fishing and crabbing so we spend a lot of time at Tucks Point in Manchester-by-the-Sea, where my husband grew up.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop on the North Shore?
We love sweets! We love Sandpiper Bakery in Ipswich, and the Angry Donut and Cafe in Newburyport. At least once a month we are getting take out from Phillip’s Roast Beef & Pizza in Rowley and the May Flower in Ipswich. We also love the Boat House Grille in Essex!
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to start Ahoy Baby.
I have been a pediatric physical therapist for almost 20 years. Most of my experience has been with the birth to age three population and I have worked in early intervention in Connecticut, South Carolina, and Massachusetts. I opened my clinic in Topsfield for Ahoy Baby in September 2023 because I saw that there was a need for physical therapy for the younger population in the area, due to long waitlists with early intervention services and at larger hospital-based clinics. Being clinic-based, I am able to provide more services to families with specialized equipment and a clean and quiet clinic space. I also really wanted to be my own boss and have a better work life balance to be able to spend more time with my son.
What type of services do you provide at Ahoy Baby?
Ahoy Baby provides pediatric physical therapy services, infant massage services, developmental wellness consultations, and infant developmental movement workshops.
What aged children do you treat?
Ahoy Baby treats children birth to 6 years old. (Some exceptions made.)
Do you accept health insurance?
Ahoy Baby is in network with several insurance companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Pilgrim, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
Are you trained in any PT or OT specialities?
I am a Certified Infant Massage instructor. I am also DMI (Dynamic Movement Intervention) Level B trained. I am trained in the following modalities: theratogs, functional electrical stimulation, spinal stimulation, and whole body vibration. I am also trained in the treatment of tethered oral tissues such as tongue and lip ties. This winter I am starting training in infant craniosacral therapy. I have extensive experience and continuing education treating babies with torticollis, plagiocephaly, gross motor delays and kids with neurological and neuromotor challenges.
How long is the current wait to be seen for new patients at Ahoy Baby?
Ahoy Baby has immediate openings for on-going weekly therapy and intensives. Intensives meaning therapy everyday for 1-1.5 hours, for a span of 1-3 weeks. In Massachusetts, you do not need a doctor’s referral to access physical therapy services. So how it works is you can call, email or fill out the contact information form, we have a conversation, and then we schedule that first visit! I can bill insurance or I also can accept private pay.
How do parents book a consultation with you?
Parents can fill out my contact form at www.ahoybaby.com, email [email protected] or call directly at 978-312-2438.
Any tips for balancing work & motherhood?
I am a planner and always have been. I meal prep on the weekends and work out early in the morning leaving me time after school to spend with my son. Since I am my own boss, I’m able to set my schedule so I can take my son to gymnastics or Lego Club. Being organized and writing everything down has helped me to balance work and motherhood.
What is the best piece of mom advice you ever received?
To cherish every moment because time flies with your children.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me” time?
I like getting massages and I need them lol! I also like going for walks, especially by the water.
Learn more about Ahoy Baby at www.ahoybaby.com and follow along with Meagan @ahoybabypt on Instagram and @ahoybabypt on Facebook.
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This post is sponsored by Ahoy Baby, but all opinions present are my own.