A Stafford midwife has set her sights on expansion as demand continues to rise for her business supporting parents-to-be.
Freya Mahal set up a part-time company called Expecting in 2010, offering antenatal classes both in person and online.
However, as its popularity grows, she has decided to call it a day on her 20-year career in the NHS to dedicate her time to the company.
The former New Cross Hospital midwife now offers antenatal educational classes as well as postnatal classes in baby massage and baby yoga. Another crucial part of her role is providing expert support to parents – so they don’t get lost in the maze of conflicting online ‘advice’.
Freya currently has one other self-employed midwife as part of her team but is looking to take on another two – with a third in the pipeline.
In addition, Expecting is set to grow geographically – it currently offers its service from three locations but this is expanding to six by early Autumn.
Freya, who left her job with the NHS at the end of March, said: “Bringing a baby into the world in today’s culture can be hugely challenging. It’s so tricky to know which so called expert online is genuine or if they have real-life experience.
“Parents-to-be often feel unsure where to turn for information – remember Google has never actually had a baby! And with families often living far apart, new parents are left feeling isolated, and as if they are muddling through the unknown.”
“I am passionate about creating a culture of ongoing support and I am proud that we have created a community through the postnatal groups.
“I have walked alongside thousands of parents as they navigate the unknowns of parenthood, the loneliness as well as the joys and the celebrations and as a mum and a midwife, I can offer a huge depth of knowledge and experience.
“I also still intend to do occasional bank shifts for the NHS. I believe remaining in the NHS has given me and the business credibility, hence I will continue to dip my toes in.”
Freya has taken part in several courses run by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and recently attended its start-up course with advisor Aly Davidson.
Freya said: “Although I had been in business for several years, I thought it would do me no harm to attend the course. Going full time, I wanted to make sure I was doing all the right things and it was useful to get in-depth workshops on the business basics such as cashflow, finance and marketing.”
Aly Davidson added: “It’s always a pleasure to meet someone like Freya who is so passionate about what they do. Her business is a vocation, and she genuinely wants to help as many people as she can by taking the fear and unknowns out of what is probably the most defining time of your life – becoming a parent!”
