A midwife and a nurse are hosting an event to support families through pregnancy and raising babies and toddlers.

The St Albans Pregnancy, Baby and Toddler Show is run by the company Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, which offers advice to parents at shows across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

The business was started by Emma Trollope, who works as a midwife for West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, and her best friend Kirstie Allen, who also works for the Trust as an ICU staff nurse. Both grew up in St Albans, where Kirstie still lives, and are mums to two daughters: Emma’s aged 10 and seven and Kirstie’s aged five and 16 months.

The pair, who have been friends for more than 30 years, started the company after Emma realised she had information that she did not have enough time to give to parents. The shows aim to inform parents about pregnancy, relaxation, well-being, birth, feeding, introduction of solids and child development, as well as helping them access specialists in their local area.

Emma said: “As a midwife I love giving parents the confidence to believe in themselves and arming them with everything they need to make informed choices.

“By producing these events we are allowing parents to access a wealth of information which will aid them in making those decisions.”

The St Albans show is free to attend, and will feature demonstrations, talks and taster sessions. Parents will be able to see the services local businesses offer to families and receive discounts and offers from vendors.

Kirstie said: “I feel very passionate about health promotion and sharing of knowledge, so I feel privileged that we are in a position to do what we are doing.

“We get to meet some great businesses and lovely families and I get to work alongside my best friend.”

Goody bags will be on offer to the first 50 families who attend, and there will be a raffle throughout the event, the proceeds from which will go to the charity Bliss, which helps premature and sick babies.

The show will be held at St Albans Girls School (STAGS) on Saturday, May 19, from 10am to 1pm. There will be free parking, a feeding area and baby changing facilities.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-albans-baby-and-toddler-show-tickets-43948705762