Raising Mamas: Empowering Mothers, Building a Village by Kailah
Your name and the name of the group:
Kailah, Raising Mamas - Maroochydore, Caloundra and North Lakes
What is Raising Mamas about?
Our platform is fundamentally about community, support, and empowerment for mothers. We're located on the Sunshine Coast and in North Lakes, and we offer a range of programs, workshops, and gatherings to assist mums at every stage of their motherhood journey.
At its heart, Raising Mamas is a 10-week program where mothers come together in a judgement-free environment. The group serves as a safe space where mums can express their concerns, share their joys, and discuss the challenges of motherhood. It's a forum where they can get both emotional support and practical advice.
Beyond our core mothers' group program, we run a variety of workshops designed to provide mothers with the tools and resources they need to navigate parenthood. These cover a range of topics, from baby care and development, to postnatal care for the mothers themselves. Our objective is to make sure our mamas have access to up-to-date, reliable information that will support their motherhood journey.
But perhaps what sets Raising Mamas apart is our strong belief in the saying "it takes a village to raise a child". We go a step further and assert that it also takes a village to raise a mama. Motherhood is a profound journey that can be as challenging as it is rewarding. We're here to remind mothers that they're not alone in this journey. We have cultivated strong connections with professionals in postnatal care and baby development fields who are ready to support our community.
So, Raising Mamas isn't just a program, it's a community — a village, if you will — where mothers can grow, learn, and thrive. Because we believe that when we uplift mothers, we uplift families, and in doing so, we uplift our whole community.
Who is on this journey with you?
Without a doubt, my journey with Raising Mamas is not a solitary one - it's a collective effort, guided and supported by an incredible village.
At the forefront, my amazing team of group facilitators are the pillars of Raising Mamas. Each of them is incredibly passionate about motherhood and the postnatal journey, which they express through their unwavering dedication to the mamas in our community. I am constantly inspired by the deep and meaningful relationships they foster, as they offer utmost care, support, and understanding to every mama they meet. The fact that they're all mothers themselves is a testament to the authenticity of their work. Their personal experiences enrich our programs, and it's not unusual to see their babies in our group sessions, adding a layer of shared experience that strengthens our community.
Meanwhile, at the heart of Raising Mamas is my unwaveringly supportive family. My husband is my rock, always beside me, helping me navigate every step of this journey. His consistent support is instrumental in the strides we've made as an organization. Our two beautiful daughters are the fuel to my fire, inspiring everything I do at Raising Mamas. My aspiration to create and foster a community that they, and other children, could be a part of, is a primary driving force behind our mission.
Why did you create these groups?
The creation of these groups at Raising Mamas was driven by a deeply felt need to provide support, community, and a safe space for mothers during their postnatal journey.
As a mother of two myself, I experienced firsthand the rollercoaster ride of motherhood. The intense love and joy that motherhood brings, contrasted with the overwhelming moments of doubt and exhaustion. I remember feeling that although becoming a mother was one of the most transformative experiences of my life, it also felt incredibly isolating at times.
I noticed that while there was a wealth of information and resources available for the physical care of babies, there was less emphasis on the emotional wellbeing and mental health of new mothers. I wanted to bridge this gap, and create a space where mothers felt seen, heard, and understood.
Moreover, I recognised the power of shared experiences and the importance of community during this phase. I realised that having a supportive network could not only mitigate feelings of isolation but could also empower mothers by fostering a sense of belonging and shared understanding.
With these insights and my own personal experiences, I was inspired to create Raising Mamas. Our groups offer a space where mothers can freely express their feelings, share their experiences, and learn from one another in a judgment-free zone. We aim to empower mamas, providing them with the most up-to-date and relevant information, and supporting their emotional wellbeing during their postnatal journey.
In essence, I wanted to build a 'village' for every mama – a nurturing, supportive, and caring community that walks together in the challenging, yet beautiful journey of motherhood. This belief that "it takes a village to raise a child" and indeed, a mama, is at the heart of why these groups were created.
Why do you think mums need support?
I firmly believe that mums require ample support because motherhood, while being an incredibly beautiful journey, can also be highly challenging, sometimes even overwhelming.
Motherhood brings with it a seismic shift in a woman's life. While it is filled with moments of joy and profound love, it also comes with its share of sleepless nights, anxieties, and uncertainties.
Often, mums find themselves prioritizing the needs of their babies over their own, which, while natural, can lead to neglect of their own physical and emotional wellbeing.
While there is a multitude of activities and resources available for babies, there's often a lack of emphasis on the needs of the mothers themselves. Mums need spaces where they are the primary focus, where their wellbeing is prioritised. Motherhood is a shared experience, and knowing that there are others who are experiencing the same challenges and joys can be incredibly comforting and empowering.
In essence, supporting mums is crucial because when a mother is nurtured and cared for, she is better able to nurture and care for her child. Mums, just like their little ones, thrive in environments that offer understanding, empathy, and support. Our goal at Raising Mamas is to ensure that every mother feels supported and empowered on her journey through motherhood.
What is the most rewarding part of Raising Mamas?
The most rewarding part of Raising Mamas, hands down, is witnessing the growth, empowerment, and resilience that develops within our community of mothers.
Seeing a mama come into our space perhaps feeling overwhelmed, anxious or isolated, and then observing as she begins to find her footing, gain confidence and forge connections - that's truly heartwarming. It's about watching these remarkable women find solace and strength in our collective experiences, realising they are not alone, and evolving through their motherhood journey with grace and resilience.
Equally rewarding is to see the deep, enduring relationships that form within our community. It's a wonderful thing to witness these bonds that grow from shared experience, mutual understanding, and empathy. We've seen friendships blossom and support systems strengthen, with mamas continuing to uplift and inspire one another well beyond their time in our programs.
I take immense joy in knowing that our platform serves as a safe, nurturing space that contributes positively to these women's lives. But it's not a one-way street - their stories, their courage, their triumphs, and even their struggles, inspire me daily and reaffirm the importance of the work we do at Raising Mamas.
So, the most rewarding part? It's about empowering mothers and witnessing the transformative power of community and shared experience. It's about knowing that we're making a meaningful impact in the lives of these mamas and their families, one day at a time. That, to me, is the heart and soul of Raising Mamas.
What is your advice for a struggling mama?
To any mama who is struggling, first and foremost, I want you to know that you are not alone. Every mother goes through periods of doubt, frustration, and fatigue – it's part and parcel of this transformative journey called motherhood.
My first piece of advice would be to acknowledge your feelings. It's okay to feel overwhelmed oranxious. It's okay to feel like you're not getting everything right. These feelings don't make you any less of a mother. If anything, they are a testament to your love and concern for your child.
Secondly, I urge you to reach out for help when you need it. Whether it's a trusted friend, a family member, or a professional, don't hesitate to lean on others for support. You don't have to go through this alone. Connecting with other mamas can also be incredibly comforting and empowering. Sharing your experiences and hearing from others who are in the same boat can provide reassurance and practical advice.
Practice self-care as much as you can. It's easy to forget about your own needs when you're busy caring for a little one, but remember, your wellbeing is crucial too. Even small acts of self-care, like taking a hot bath, reading a book, or simply taking a few minutes to breathe and be present can make a significant difference.
Finally, be kind to yourself. Remember, there's no such thing as a perfect mother. We all make mistakes and learn as we go along. What your child needs most is your love, presence, and the best effort you can give.
At Raising Mamas, we believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and a village to support a mama. Know that our community is here for you, ready to listen, share, and support you through your motherhood journey.
How can we find out more?
We truly believe in the power of community and connection, and we're eager for you to become a part of our village at Raising Mamas! To find out more, you can find us here:
Website: www.raisingmamas.com.au
Instagram: @raising.mamas.aus
Facebook Village: https://www.facebook.com/groups/560495939139751/