A WOMAN who suffered with depression after giving birth to her baby daughter has gone out of her way to try to stop other new mums feeling the same way - by opening a baby shop with a difference.

The Bibi Boutique, in The Southend, Ledbury, takes shopping to a whole new level for proud parents.

Not only does it specialise in nearly new clothes, toys, and maternity wear, as well as prams and pushchairs, but it also offers mums and dads the chance to relax and have a chat about their new roles.

Supported by local health visitors and the Herefordshire branch of the National Childbirth Trust, Bibi Boutique combines the shop with a child friendly room where parents can talk, feed their children, or access up-to-date health information.

This aspect of the shop, called Bibi Talk, also runs coffee mornings every Monday, regular baby massages, and talks by health professionals.

A "Nappacino" morning every Friday is designed to inform mums and dads on the benefit of reusable nappies as well as enabling them to benefit from free pampering sessions.

It is run by sister-in-laws Clare Farquhar and Jo Butcher, and the idea came about after Clare gave birth to daughter Isabelle nearly two years go.

"I was really depressed, I just felt so isolated," said Mrs Farquhar.

"I wanted to do something to make sure other new mums did not go through the same experience, and when I mentioned it to Jo, who is a childminder, we came up with this concept of a shop and meeting place in one.

"We have only recently opened but already the idea seems to be attracting a lot of attention.

"People like to have somewhere to come to talk about being a parent and to discuss their problems, whether with each other or health visitors who come regularly.

"And they have the added bonus of buying good quality clothes, toys, equipment and so on for their babies."

Bibi Boutique is open 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and there is late-night shopping from mid November and through December.

For more details, call 01531 631847.