A PREGNANCY and baby fayre will take place in Ilkley in May.

Organised by independent midwife and specialist hypnobirthing instructor Amanda Wardle, it is believed to be the first of its kind in the town.

Amanda, who has been a midwife for 30 years and lived in Ilkley for 24 years, said: "My wish is to get choice out there to pregnant women and their partners about labour, birth and the early weeks of parenting and how things can be done differently to what is generally offered.

"Pregnancy and the lead up to birth can be spoilt by fear, lack of knowledge and being unaware of the choices available. This should be one of the most exciting times in a woman's life, and my aim is to reach as many people as possible and spread the alternative choices that are out there."

The stall holders include: hypnobirthing, how to have a calm and relaxed birth; doulas, how they can support labouring woman and her partner; reflexology, massage, and shiatsu for pregnancy; placenta encapsulation; baby first aid; physiotherapy and its importance for women's health before and after pregnancy.

There will also be information on craniosacral therapy and how that may help restless babies, Amber teething necklaces, baby wearing (slings), real nappies, organic products for mum and baby and handmade crafts for baby and nursery keepsakes.

Amanda added: "We have two charity stall holders PANDAS which is a postnatal support group and AIMS (Association for Improvements of Maternity Services). Both will have lots of useful information and booklets available.

"We are also running a homebirth and waterbirth stall which will be manned by women who have recently had a home water birth, great for members of public to chat about what its like in reality. There will be an inflatable pool for people to have a look at too so they can get an idea of how it all works.

"The first 100 people to arrive will get a goodie bag and we are holding a raffle to raise money for BLISS (charity for premature babies) and SANDS (charity for stillbirths)."

The fayre takes place at the Clarke Foley Centre, Ilkley, from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, May 6. Another fayre is planned for October 28.