North East mum launches birth support venture

A North East mother has launched a business supporting expectant and new parents after turning her own experiences of motherhood into a new career.

Manpreet Khaira has founded Mind and Birth, a doula and hypnobirthing service offering practical and emotional support to families throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.

The business was inspired by the birth of her second daughter, Ayla, when she recognised a lack of support available to women and their families during the transition into parenthood.

Drawing on professional training as a qualified doula and hypnobirthing practitioner, Manpreet provides antenatal education, birth preparation and postnatal support, alongside one-to-one doula services. 

Sessions are available in person and online, enabling her to work with families across the region and beyond.

Mind and Birth also runs fortnightly hypnobirthing ‘Power Hour’ sessions in Washington, giving small groups of expectant parents the opportunity to learn practical techniques, ask questions and connect with others preparing for birth.

Manpreet said: “Being a mum of three with minimal support, I know how physically and emotionally challenging it is to survive it. 

“Sadly, there is not much support for women outside of their brief antenatal appointments with their midwives before baby arrives. 

“Through my business, I want to help restore that sense of support and empowerment, so women – and their families – can enjoy this special chapter in their lives.”

The business was launched with support from the North East BIC, where Manpreet sought advice on starting a business after previously working as a buyer for a number of corporate organisations.

She also secured a grant through the BIC, which enabled her to buy equipment including yoga mats and birth balls for her group sessions.

Manpreet added: “The BIC has been brilliant in supporting me as I set up my business. 

“In the beginning, the process felt quite overwhelming and I wasn't always sure where to start, but the support I've received has helped me break things down into small but important steps in the right direction.

“I don’t think I would be where I am now without the BIC. 

“It isn’t just about the financial support, it’s receiving the practical guidance needed through the early stages, which has enabled me to launch my business with confidence.”

Hina Joshi, business adviser at the BIC, added: “Manpreet came to us with a clear idea of what she wanted to achieve and has fully engaged with the support available. 

“She has built a small but loyal customer base and shown real commitment to developing a business that makes a meaningful difference. 

“I can see Mind and Birth becoming a really trusted source of support for women and families across the region.”

Looking ahead, Manpreet plans to establish a permanent venue for face-to-face hypnobirthing courses while continuing to expand her antenatal and postnatal support services.

The support Manpreet received was delivered through the North East BIC’s Enterprising Sunderland programme, which provides advice, mentoring and financial support to people looking to start or grow a business.

Funding for the initiative has since been extended until the end of December 2026 through Sunderland's Business Support Programme, backed by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority through its Integrated Settlement.

Councillor James Jackson, portfolio holder for housing, business and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see programmes like Enterprising Sunderland, which help local people take their first steps into business, giving people the confidence and support required to set up and grow their own businesses. 

“Our small and medium-sized businesses make a huge contribution to our local economy and initiatives like this are key to ensuring Sunderland continues to build a strong reputation as a place where businesses can start up, develop and thrive.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.