This is Bristol --
A MUM who found it difficult to find clothes to fit her premature baby has spotted a gap in the market and started her own business.
Louise Causon, 41, from Portishead, has worked as a nanny, nursery manager and even in a neo-natal intensive care unit at St Michael's Hospital in Bristol.
But it was when her third son Leo was born six weeks prematurely that she really got to understand the practical challenges facing mums.
"There was just nothing out there at the time, and it hasn't got much better since," said Louise.
"I am very passionate about starting this business as my personal and professional experiences have shown me that it can be very difficult to find products that are aimed specifically at premature and low birth weight babies," she said.
"When you have had a premature baby, you want to spend all the time in the hospital with them. All the clothes your friends and family have bought as presents don't fit.
"I feel that providing a single online shop where a wide range of good quality clothing, accessories and gifts can be purchased means that parents can spend more time with their precious little bundle."
What might seem like a niche market, could actually have broad appeal with the Office for National Statistics recording one in 13 births in England and Wales as premature, classed as born before 37 weeks.
Two years ago the mum of three was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, an illness causing pain and often fatigue, and had to give up her job.
Now her condition is more under control, she has decided to launch her online business, The Prem Baby Store, selling premature baby clothes, gifts and equipment such as special pillows to prevent babies suffering flathead syndrome and discreet feeding covers.
Mrs Causon's husband Anthony and older sons Jake, 16, and Toby, 19, are all supportive of the new venture, and her mum – and next door neighbour – Olivia Howard will be close by to help out on days when her health condition makes work a challenge.
"With my being ill, my family have had a difficult two years so it's nice for them to see me happier and doing something new."
The site, www.theprembabystore. co.uk, went live last week. "We're all excited," said Louise. Reported by This is 7 hours ago.
A MUM who found it difficult to find clothes to fit her premature baby has spotted a gap in the market and started her own business.
Louise Causon, 41, from Portishead, has worked as a nanny, nursery manager and even in a neo-natal intensive care unit at St Michael's Hospital in Bristol.
But it was when her third son Leo was born six weeks prematurely that she really got to understand the practical challenges facing mums.
"There was just nothing out there at the time, and it hasn't got much better since," said Louise.
"I am very passionate about starting this business as my personal and professional experiences have shown me that it can be very difficult to find products that are aimed specifically at premature and low birth weight babies," she said.
"When you have had a premature baby, you want to spend all the time in the hospital with them. All the clothes your friends and family have bought as presents don't fit.
"I feel that providing a single online shop where a wide range of good quality clothing, accessories and gifts can be purchased means that parents can spend more time with their precious little bundle."
What might seem like a niche market, could actually have broad appeal with the Office for National Statistics recording one in 13 births in England and Wales as premature, classed as born before 37 weeks.
Two years ago the mum of three was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, an illness causing pain and often fatigue, and had to give up her job.
Now her condition is more under control, she has decided to launch her online business, The Prem Baby Store, selling premature baby clothes, gifts and equipment such as special pillows to prevent babies suffering flathead syndrome and discreet feeding covers.
Mrs Causon's husband Anthony and older sons Jake, 16, and Toby, 19, are all supportive of the new venture, and her mum – and next door neighbour – Olivia Howard will be close by to help out on days when her health condition makes work a challenge.
"With my being ill, my family have had a difficult two years so it's nice for them to see me happier and doing something new."
The site, www.theprembabystore. co.uk, went live last week. "We're all excited," said Louise. Reported by This is 7 hours ago.