Three mums have used their birthing experience as the catalyst for setting up a new business.

Rachel Cline, of Calverley, Julia Kijanski, of Bingley, and Emma Tomlinson, of Idle, have established Mother Nurture Doulas to help women and their partners enjoy pregnancy, birth and the first few weeks with their newborns.

All three trained earlier this year as doulas – a term which originates from a Greek word meaning ‘care giver’ and now refers to women who offer continuous support for another through childbirth.

Julia, who is mum to 20-month-old Evie, said: “The benefits of having a doula by your side are astounding.

“First, labours are up to two hours shorter, pain medication is requested less and the rate of c-sections drops by 50 per cent.

“Coming home with your newborn can feel daunting but having a doula present enables you to feel confident in your new role.”

Evie was born by an emergency caesarean section, and while Julia recovered quickly physically, emotionally she says she struggled to come to terms with the birth which affected the bonding process between her and her daughter.

“When I had Evie I wasn’t aware of doulas but I do feel her birth could have been very different and more positive if I had had the support from a doula,” she said.

“Rachel is mum to Jed, four, and Nell, 16 months, Emma and I both have 20-month-olds, Evie and Ellis, and we all felt our own experience of childbirth and the postnatal period could have been so much more positive had we known about doulas.

“The knowledge and support that a doula provides is invaluable.”

The trio have already helped several women through pregnancy and birth, including first-time mum Angela Karkoszka, of Keighley, who gave birth to son Mika’il in May.

Angela said: “Since having Emma present throughout the birth I feel doulas should have the title of angels. It was an amazingly big help having someone who was so supportive.

“People underestimate how hard pregnancy and childbirth can be. Thanks to Julia and Emma I always had help at the end of a phone and Emma’s hand to squeeze during labour.”