MIDWIVES in central Scotland have welcomed the arrival of swimming classes for new and expectant mothers.

WaterBumps is set to launch in Auchterarder, Stirling and Larbert on January 14, thanks to the efforts of local husband-and-wife team Derek and Wendy Lambie.

The couple already run Water Babies sessions in the area, teaching 800 babies and toddlers to swim each week.

Derek said: “We have been in contact with senior midwives and health professionals and they are very excited about our offering.

“There are already lots of aqua-natal exercise and fitness classes around, but none that really delve into the medical benefits we will be delivering.

“It is an obvious extension of our service to families and truly means we are nurturing families right through from pregnancy through to toddler.

“WaterBumps is all about helping mums and mums-to-be. We help make the birthing journey a whole lot easier by relieving the aches and pains of pregnancy and helping make more room for the baby.

“Afterwards, we also help mums to have a bit of me time and stop and think about themselves for a short while. We help them get back to being the people they are physically, emotionally and mentally.”

The Lambies have two children of their own, aged five and eight, and Derek revealed it was their own experiences which inspired them to set up WaterBumps.

He added: “Wendy has a scoliosis on her spine and I am certain these classes would have really helped alleviate pain through her pregnancy.”

“With around 3,500 births every year in the Stirling and Falkirk alone, we know WaterBumps can help make a real difference to the quality of family life in it’s absolute infancy right across the region.”

WaterBumps classes will take place across the UK in 2018, and these are the first classes in Scotland.

To find out more, visit waterbumps.co.uk