A mother who nearly lost her baby at birth is trying to combat the loneliness new parents can feel.

Rakhee Gudka’s daughter Elia, now 18 months, was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck – but a “wonderful” team of doctors helped save her.

But after settling into new motherhood, the 33-year-old realised how difficult it was to make new friends while on maternity leave.

So she took matters into her own hands and launched one-stop shop for parents, which is run from Northwood Methodist Church, to help fill a gap in the market.

She said: “Having a baby can be quite isolating. The NHS is budget stricken. My health visitor said I didn’t need to be seen for another two weeks, and it was all quite difficult.

“It can be a strain on your relationship. Lack of sleep is the worst – sometimes you’re too tired to enjoy motherhood.”

The club, which runs weekly events, includes baby massage and baby signing classes, as well as pre and post-natal fitness classes for mums.

It also offers first aid training for parents, coffee mornings and is a type of one-stop shop for mums.

“I was constantly tired,” she added. “I didn’t feel like I was being a good mum. But Busylizzie helps break that cycle.”

She recently heard about the Watford Observer’s campaign to raise money for cots at Watford General Hospital, and decided to help.

Inspired by her own experiences of giving birth to Elia at the hospital, the cause holds a special place in her heart.

She said: “I had complications but they kept all that from me. I was lucky, I had gas and air so I was high, but I can remember a lot of doctors and midwives monitoring us.

“The cord was wrapped around her but I didn’t find out until after. I didn’t know the baby was in danger, although I could sense something was wrong.

“We take for granted how much nurses and doctors help us in society.”

The event helps healthcare assistant Jackie Fitzsimons raise money for 26 new cots for Watford General Hospital.

Cots for Tots: The Next Generation, was inspired after Mrs Fitzsimons realised two generations of babies had slept on the current cots.

The fundraiser will be held on October 27 at Northwood Methodist Church for 10am to 1pm and all are invited. Tickets cost £10. It includes fitness classes, cake and face painting.