Have you ever held your new baby and wondered where to turn?
If so, you're far from alone. Many capable, successful parents describe that same quiet uncertainty in the early weeks — even with loving family nearby. It's one of the most common feelings in new parenthood, and it's the reason the Motherhood Center exists.
So we're especially proud to share that our founder, Gabriela Gerhart, is featured in the September 2026 issue of Mothered Magazine. In an eight-page spread, she tells the story of how one Houston pregnancy and parenting center grew from a single realization into a village for more than 100,000 families. Read the full feature here.
Here's a closer look at the story behind the feature and what it means for families today.
From a Czech mountain village to Houston
Gabriela grew up in a small mountain village in what was then communist Czechoslovakia. In her village, the whole community showed up when a new baby arrived. She trained as a pediatric nurse, worked in a pediatric emergency room, and later came to the United States as an au pair.
After her au pair year, she began working as a baby nurse in private homes, guiding new parents through their first weeks. As she tells Mothered, she soon realized she had become these families' only real source of support. At the time, a hospital class was about the only other option they had.
"I saw the void, and I wanted to fill it."
— Gabriela Gerhart, founder, Motherhood Center
One place, all under one roof
That gap became the blueprint for the Motherhood Center. In 2000, Gabriela set out to gather credible, trusted resources in one place so families wouldn't have to search for help on their own.
In the interview, she describes meeting moms who felt lost and unsure of themselves even with family close by. For Gabriela, that showed the need ran deeper than any one service.
That's why our offerings are designed to work together, not as a menu of separate services. Today, families in River Oaks and across Houston find all of these under one roof:
- Childbirth and newborn care classes
- Labor and postpartum doula support
- Nanny and childcare placement
- Lactation support
- Prenatal fitness and massage
A belief at the heart of everything we do
The feature returns again and again to one idea: no mother should feel alone. It's the reason Gabriela built the Center, and more than 25 years later, it still guides every class, placement, and doula visit.
If you're finding this season harder than you expected, please hear this: you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. Needing support isn't a sign that something is wrong. It's how families have always done this — together.
More about Gabriela
Beyond the Center, Gabriela is a frequent speaker and media guest, the author of After the Fall and a longtime board member and supporter of organizations that strengthen families. Her background spans pediatric nursing and physical therapy. Listen to her recent conversation on On The Entrepreneur's Journey for more of her story.
Thank you to our village
We're grateful to Mothered Magazine for sharing Gabriela's story. We're even more grateful to the Houston families who have trusted us through every stage of their journey. This recognition belongs to you.
Read Gabriela's full feature on pages 19–26 of the September 2026 issue.
Looking for a pregnancy and parenting center in Houston?
Whether you're expecting, recovering, or searching for trusted childcare, our team offers support that adapts to your family. Visit us at 3701 W. Alabama, Suite 230, in River Oaks, or call 713-963-8880.
We'd be honored to support your family. Book a Service →
