TWO mums who both have experience working in maternity services have launched a one-stop shop for all things relating to pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Founders Rach Pitson and Ellie Welding have opened Parents in Bloom at Warrington Market.

The duo are hoping to redress the balance after a prolonged period of new parents and parents-to-be not having as much access to services due to Covid restrictions and lockdowns.

They have been more isolated than they would have ordinarily been – without as much support for that life changing moment of having a baby.

Rach, mum to three-year-old Nate, said: “The social aspect is a massive part of your pregnancy and parenting journey.

“You need all the support and it’s become really apparent when you take all of that away that families are struggling.

“I think everyone we’ve spoken to has said it’s a great idea and that it’s been missing in the area and has been really needed.”

Parents in Bloom, on the mezzanine level of the new Warrington Market, will be where people can discover the likes of antenatal courses, support groups, complementary therapies and parent and baby classes.

One of the first visitors

One of the first visitors

The venue will also play host to small businesses who provide family friendly services such as pregnancy massage, sling libraries and parenting classes.

Bewsey resident Rach added: “At first the idea was just to run a few sessions and it snowballed from there.

“It’s now evolved into providing a space for everything that surrounds pregnancy, birth and parenting.”

Rach and Ellie and their team also want to re-establish a sense of community among new parents that has been lost due to the crisis.

That is why a central location like the market was essential to their vision.

Mum-of-two Ellie, who grew up in Great Sankey, said: “We looked for somewhere that would be really accessible for everyone. A lot of services like this are difficult to get to so it was important for us that we found somewhere that would be inclusive.”

Rach added: “The market wants to put on lots of events and provide more things for families. It also has a relaxed atmosphere so we thought it was a good fit with what we’ve got going on.”