Nappies, breast feeding and sleepless nights – life for a new mum can be a confusing and exhausting time.

But now, thanks to a free new service being offered to women in Blackburn and Darwen, these problems can be halved with the help of their own doula.

Doula, in Greek, means woman caregiver. Historically, an experienced sister, mother, friend or gran became a birth coach who ‘served’ the expectant mother.

But a lot of mothers-to-be are without the support of their family either because they don’t live near by, have died or are simply out of contact.

For these women pregnancy and motherhood can be a daunting and isolating experience.

But the Lavender Doula service, based at Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Centre, has been launched to help new mums feel empowered again.

The group is looking to recruit 120 women to become voluntary non-medical professional childbirth assistants – or doulas – for the women of the borough.

They offer free support before, during and after a baby is born – helping with anything from breastfeeding to housework.

Amanda Chinery, project manager for Lavender Doulas, trained to be a private doula four years ago before setting up the community programme.

She has been employed to help dozens of new mums including her own daughter, 17-year-old Atlanta who gave birth to Jessica-May less than four weeks ago.

“The role of a doula is not to take the place of a midwife but complement it.

"The idea is they offer practical and emotional support where historically a family member might do so.

“A doula is a companion to offer advice and take the load off.

"They can provide expert advice at the birth and be there for them afterwards to help the new mum with breastfeeding and even with tidying up around the house if that’s what the mum needs.”

Atlanta said she felt the extra support from her mum as a doula made her feel more confident.

The new mum, of Todmorden, said: “I was quite upset when I found out my baby was breeched and having mum there as a doula with her expert knowledge helped me through.

"And she guided me on the benefits of breastfeeding and I’m so glad she did.

"Now I know more about it I’d never use formula.”

Her boyfriend and Jessica-May’s dad, Peter Murray, 19, added: “I didn’t have a clue, but having the information and experience from the doula service really helped.”

Training courses are being launched next month. The doulas, who do not have to have children, can be any age and the 10-week courses, which can be taken in the evenings and at weekends, are free to attend.

Training includes birth procedures, breast feeding, antenatal classes, child protection and the father’s role.

Each trained doula will be matched with a mother-to-be and will become their mentor from early in their pregnancy and until about six weeks after the birth.

The service, funded by NHS Direct, is primarily aimed at mothers under 25 and with little support in Darwen, Shadsworth, Whitebirk and Audley.

Amanda added: “When you’ve been through something like child birth together that’s a bond that will probably never break.”

l A Lavender Doula open day takes place on May 25 at Lord Street Children’s Centre, Darwen from 1pm until 3pm. The group is looking for centres to hold the courses. Contact 01254 819558.