Back in 2008, I started For Baby and Me with one simple goal: to create a space where new mums could move their bodies, feel supported, and connect with others going through the same early parenting journey. It all began with a single outdoor postnatal fitness class in South Manchester… and I never imagined it would grow into the thriving community it is today.
How it all Began
Before taking the plunge and starting For Baby and Me, I spent much of my career supporting families – first as a mental health nurse and then as a Health Visitor with the NHS. I spent years alongside families during some of their most vulnerable moments, supporting them through everything from feeding struggles to postnatal depression.
At the same time, I was navigating motherhood myself. I’m a mum of three – two daughters who are now grown up and a son who we sadly lost to a heart condition when he was just six months old.
It was this experience that gave me a deep understanding of the emotional and physical rollercoaster that early parenthood can be, and ultimately helped shape For Baby and Me.
When I finally decided to take the plunge and leave my job to start a business from scratch, it wasn’t a light decision. In fact, plenty of people (myself included!) thought I was taking a huge risk. But deep down, I knew what I wanted didn’t exist – something practical, supportive, and kind. The kind of space I would have loved as a new mum.
The Early Days of For Baby and Me
Back then, without the help of social media ads (or my now grown up daughter and digital marketing mogul, Faye), I would cycle around the local area with my husband paying 50p to stick posters in shop windows, cafes and libraries.
By the time my first official class rolled around, I was convinced nobody would show up. But to my surprise (and utter relief!), 20 mums greeted me at my very first Pramactive class and we even made it into the newspaper!
Mums not only came to the first class, they kept coming – and they brought their friends! Word spread, new friendships formed, and For Baby and Me started to grow into something bigger than classes. It became a community.
For Baby and Me Today
Today, For Baby and Me offers a range of classes and community initiatives designed to support parents through the emotional, physical and mental shifts that come with becoming a parent, from Pramactive postnatal fitness sessions to calming baby massage.
Everything we offer is rooted in evidence-based knowledge, professional expertise, and – most importantly – lived experience. Because I’ve been there. And I know how much it matters to feel held, seen, and part of something.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you’re a Manchester parent looking for something real, supportive, and full of heart, I’d love to welcome you to the For Baby and Me community.
Whether it’s joining a class, connecting online, or popping into my inbox with a question, I’m always here.
I truly love what I do, and I can’t wait to meet you.
With love,