A SOUTHAMPTON mum who battled antenatal depression and anxiety has gone on to launch her very own baby massage oil business.
Tiffany Withers was studying international relations at the University of Southampton when she fell pregnant.
However, she struggled with mental health issues following the birth of her daughter, Nara who is now two-years-old.
It was at this point she decided to take a baby massage course to help her state of mind.
But Tiffany couldn't find a baby massage oil suitable for her and her daughter’s skin, so decided to create her own whilst completing her masters degree.
The 28-year-old said: “Nascenti launched a month ago, and I was building it for about a year and a half.
“I was having bad anxiety while I was pregnant, and I had quite a traumatic post-birth experience.
“I did an online, baby massage course at home straight away and it helped me connect with my daughter and the experience of being a first-time mum.
“I’ve always been interested in aromatherapy, and I started to mix oils to make baby massage oils.
“I applied for funding through the university which I won. Since then, I have had three rounds of funding and it’s developed from there.
“I was very sceptical about baby massage at first, but it encourages skin-to-skin contact.
“When you’re massaging your baby, you are completely focused on them.
“It forces you to connect with your baby. This will bypass all the mental fears that you have got and let that process happen organically which is really powerful.”
There are currently two products in the Nascenti range, a sensitive oil, and a relaxing oil.
Tiffany hopes to expand the offering further down the line.
She said: “I couldn’t find anything else like this when I was looking.
“Other parents can buy it knowing it is safe and they don’t have to worry about ingredients, and that a mum has made it and tested it herself. It’s reassuring.
“I’m hoping to expand and offer something for toddlers and children as well.
“I feel there is a large demand for local businesses in Southampton, and there are a lot of young and old parents so this is for everyone.”
Visit www.nascenti.co.uk to find out more.
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