ATKINSON — A new “Diaper Spa” and bed and breakfast that invites adults to wear diapers in a nursery-like atmosphere while engaging in services described as therapeutic is drawing concern from residents of the quiet community.
The Diaper Spa, at 23 Pope Road, is advertised as a “physician run diaper salon” and serves “all diaper-wearing individuals who seek acceptance, respite, and care,” according to its website.
A business filing with the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office was rejected. The same filing shows spa owner Colleen Ann Murphy created the business in December 2023 and it’s categorized by the state as a health care and social assistance business.
Atkinson police Chief Tim Crowley said the business may already be operating. Crowley said he believes its owner is in the process of applying for, or has already applied for, a business license with the town.
Town Administrator John Apple could not confirm if the business has submitted an application to the town. He could not provide further comment.
Messages for Murphy were not immediately returned.
At the time of publication of this story, The Eagle-Tribune was unable to get a copy of their application, if it had been filed.
Advertised services at The Diaper Spa include a free 30-minute call with the “resident Diaper Doctor, Doc Murphy” to connect to discuss services and “a spa-like nursery experience for the little one inside of you, providing a warm, safe, and nurturing environment while you indulge in relaxation,” for $350 per hour.
Virtual and Zoom playdates for “personalized care and interactive sessions from the comfort of your own home” are $200 per hour. A live telephone “call with doc” is $150 hourly, and texting with her is $100 per hour, according to the spa website.
More expensive services range from $500 per hour to $1,700 for a 24-hour “Diaper B & B,” according to the website.
Atkinson police have already received calls from worried residents about the business.
“There are a lot of concerns and we are still learning about it,” Crowley said.
Crowley described the neighborhood near Pope Road as largely residential and in the vicinity of senior-living apartments, a 55-plus residential community, and single-family homes.
“It’s a very nice neighborhood,” he said.
The house at 23 Pope Road is a four-bedroom, four-bath home measuring just under 6,000 square feet. It last sold Oct. 24, 2022, for $1.25 million, according to assessing records.
While the business is unusual for a quiet town, there are no violations of law at this time, Crowley said after looking at its website and services provided.
Crowley said he hasn’t had the chance to speak with the business owner and is unaware if anyone else in town is in conversations with the owner.
The Diaper Spa is also located a half mile away from Woodlock Park.
Residents voiced their concerns on social media about The Diaper Spa’s public activities and its proximity to the park and adjacent trails frequented by families with their children.
On the website, The Diaper Spa lists access to trails in the area as an amenity.
“We have a trail practically from the backyard leading along a pond and a private walk to a fun park all year,” according to the website.
Among concerned residents is Kayla Gallagher, a mother of three children.
She heard about the spa through some neighbors, describing it as a sexual fetish business.
For her, she’s concerned about “field trips” to the local playground, which are advertised on the spa’s website.
“That is something that I will never be willing to expose my kids to, so now we will no longer be able to use that park,” Gallagher said.
The park is a safe place for her to watch her children play and she doesn’t want that taken away, she added.
The owner, Murphy, is listed as a “doctor of medicine” who is a “board certified diplomate and certified sexologist” by the American Board of Sexology, according to the group’s website.
“The American Board of Sexology is an association that provides professional standards and guidelines to the sexology community. It certifies practitioners that meet the requirements of a sexology certification training program,” according to the website.
On LinkedIn, a social media site where individuals compile job histories, credentials and education backgrounds, Murphy said she is a “independent artist, creative collaborator, integrative medical physician, intimacy and relationship coach, sex therapist.”
Gallagher said Murphy’s online artistic presence has her worried, with images of children and the idea of some of The Diaper Spa’s offered services.
One service is listed as a “playdate with a little,” she added. Gallagher wants clarification on the term “little.”
“Our children are being exploited these days,” Gallagher said.
“Children should not be around any sexual material. Their brains are not happening and is that happening? That worries me.”
Murphy was a hospitalist physician at Waldo County General Hospital in Maine from January 2016 until January 2023, according to LinkedIn.
A “C Murphy of Atkinson, N.H.” is also listed in a directory on the psychologytoday.com website.
“I am a LGBQTIA+, Kink+, Sex+ therapist. I specialize in helping those walking their own path including consensual non-monogamous relationships (such as polyamorous, open relationships, swingers, etc.), LGBTQ+, KINK, BDSM, sex/erotic workers,” according to the psychologytoday.com listing.
“I enjoy helping people find their own voice. I love to support people as they strengthen their sense of identity, explore boundaries, and learn consent. Resolving trauma, grief, or shame can be an extremely important part of our work process. Whatever you choose for us to actively work on together improves your interpersonal relationships and every other aspect. I want to empower you to embrace your entire potential. We can do this together. I am waiting for you. I have sliding scale fees to make this your reality. You feel the bond. Let’s make this happen,” according to the listing.