A FACEBOOK group has provided a lifeline to new mothers, including one whose daughter was born with a rare skull deformity.

The social group is aimed at helping women overcome problems such post-natal depression and other embarrassing or taboo issues new mothers face.

The women originally met in a large online forum of 280 members, but have now splintered into a smaller private group and are looking for new members.

For one mother the group has been a huge support after her daughter was born with a rare disease. Three-year-old Harriet, daughter of Emma Burton, 30, of Homes Avenue, Hove, has craniosynostosis – a rare condition that causes a baby to be born with an abnormal skull shape.

Emma said: “I found out through another Facebook group what my daughter had even before the doctor told me. I was worried my newborn Tabitha would have the condition too, but thankfully she doesn’t.”

They all recently celebrated Emma’s 30th birthday at Choccywoccydoodah.

Group founder Laura Wragg, 32, of Rock Street, Brighton, said: “The group has been such a huge support for all of us, especially with things such as breastfeeding and post-natal depression. The focus is to get new mums out of the house and to come and chat with other mums over a coffee.”

A half-term meeting was held at St Philips Church Hall in Hove on February 19, where there was a bouncy castle, popcorn machine and plenty of toys to help entertain the young ones.

Member Sarah Wall, 36, of Wordsworth Street, Hove, said: “You don’t often see groups focused on mums, it’s normally focused on the babies, but this group has the benefit of both – we enjoy ourselves and so do the babies.

“You can talk about things on the group without feeling embarrassed as everyone is going through the same thing.”

The women meet every Thursday in various locations in Sussex and hold special meetings during school holidays where all of their children attend.

Any new mums interested in joining the group can email laurawragg@hotmail.co.uk.