A mother from Middlesbrough who struggled to buy clothes to fit her six tiny children, all of whom were born prematurely, has set up a specialist clothing shop for premature babies.
Louise Marshall has opened a shop for premature babies after having six of her own, including her eldest son, Kyle, born at 36 weeks, who is currently studying law in York.
Now that most of her children have reached adulthood, Louise felt it was the right time to start on a new venture.
She said: “I was looking after my disabled son and my youngest has got quite a few challenging learning difficulties, so when he was at primary school it wasn’t feasible for me to get a job – especially when my oldest was still needing quite a lot of support.
“Now he’s at university, and my youngest is at secondary school, [and] I thought now is the time that I need to start making things better for me and my kids’ futures.”
Louise opened her shop, Simply Babywear, in Middlesbrough with her partner, Dan, selling clothing and accessories for premature babies.
Dan, who personalises vests, sleepsuits and bibs, said: “Once September comes and then the run-up to Christmas, we’re really confident the shop’s going to do well.”
Louise hopes that parents going through a difficult time will find support in her shop: “Our range for premature babies has sold really well and I am so pleased that we can help families who might be going through a really difficult time.”
SPUC Comment
A SPUC spokesperson said: “Each year in the UK, thousands of babies are born prematurely and need special care and attention.
“Each human life, no matter how small and vulnerable, deserves love and care.”
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