Two midwives have launched a unique range of natural skincare and therapeutic products for pregnant women, with a little help from Mansfield’s i-Centre and the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation’s Dragon’s Den Scheme.

Working midwives Theresa Mounsey and Jane Mason formed Natural Birthing Company in 2011 after identifying a need for support and services for women following childbirth.

Initially providing private hypno-birthing, antenatal and practical parenting classes, the two midwives noticed a gap in the market for natural products to assist women in pregnancy and life as a new mum.

Theresa and Jane, who were ‘virtual customers’ at the i-Centre, spent 14 months developing their own range of natural products to help mums with many of the common issues arising during pregnancy and following birth.

As part of their contract with the i-Centre, managed by Oxford Innovations on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, Theresa and Jane enjoyed free business advice from resident advisor, business development expert David Smith.

Jane said: “The virtual tenancy at Mansfield i-Centre was important, in that it provided us with a credible address and telephone answering service while we were in the early stages of development.

“Having David on hand for support and to advise us on a host of business issues turned out to be just as important. He has been invaluable throughout our development, including his support in applying for a local ‘Dragon’s Den’ event.”

Investment from the ‘Dragons’ resulted in the production of a packaged range of unique products and the company’s graduation to a new office in Sutton.

Jane said: “We are receiving fabulous feedback from our customers, as well an increasing number of stockists of our products – soon to include Harrods!

For information on the business, call 01623 364512 or Mansfield i-Centre on 01623 600600.

David Smith, Jane Mason and Theresa Mounsey show off the Bosom Buddies Breastfeeding Survival Kit and the Natural Birthing Company range of products.