It takes a Village, Mumma

It’s a phrase that’s commonly said in parenting circles and still rings true today – it takes a village to raise a child.

Mamas listen up – don’t go it alone!

Find or create your own ‘village’ to nurture and support both you and your little one.

Becoming a mother is transforming and full of changes that you can never fully prepare for.

We’ve rounded up some ideas for building up a network that will help get you through these rewarding (but exhausting!) times of new motherhood.

Find Your Tribe

Motherhood can be a lonely and isolating experience for some mums.

Having a go-to group of mamas with similar aged children can make a BIG difference and provide you with much-needed understanding and support. Another sleepless night? Yes. First nappy blowout. Yep! Anxieties about feeding. Been there.

Having other mums who are experiencing similar emotions and milestones can be so important to help get you through those tough days and be with you to celebrate the magical moments.

BUT sometimes you need to make the first move to find this tribe of like-minded mamas.

Here are some ideas:

• Join an online group where you can share and learn together. There are SO many Facebook groups and postnatal forums that you can check out.
• Get fit and make new friends with a Mums and Bubs exercise group. There are plenty to choose from including yoga, pilates and boot camps.
• Say yes to joining a new parenting group, organised by your local Child and Family Centre. It’s the perfect way to meet new mums who live in your area and have a bub of a similar age. Suggest grabbing a coffee together after a baby class and get to know one another better.

Outsourcing is Your Friend

Remember you don’t have to do it all yourself!

If there’s something you can outsource to make those first few sleep deprived months a little easier, then do it.

A meal delivery service is worth its weight in gold (especially in the newborn haze). No cooking and no clean-up is a win, win situation.

Or if budget allows, a cleaner that pops in every fortnight to help keep on top of household chores is super helpful (giving you the opportunity to get that much needed rest rather than mopping the floors).

And did we mention, a grocery delivery service is a game changer.

Ask For Help and Say Yes

If a friend asks if there is anything they can pick up for you, say YES.

Ask for that takeaway coffee (double shot!) or a box of nappies that you’re running low on.

People genuinely want to support you in this new chapter, so don’t think you’re being a burden.

And don’t be afraid to ask for help too – but make sure you’re specific about what you really need. It might be a family member coming over to watch bub while you have a shower and a nap or a neighbour taking your dog for a walk or tackling the piles of washing for you.

Find Your Professionals

There are plenty of fantastic services available that offer free professional help for families.

This includes organisations like COPE (Centre Of Perinatal Excellence), which provides support for the emotional challenges of becoming a parent.

Another great service is the Australian Breastfeeding Association, which offers a 24/7 Breastfeeding Helpline.

Karitane is also a fantastic resource for helping new parents around sleep and settling, feeding and nutrition, as well as mental health.

It Takes a Village, Mumma

It certainly does take a village and if you’re looking to build yours, then there’s no time like right now!

If you’ve got your village and you wish to send a gift of thanks or if you’re part of a village and a new mum or baby needs a little boost of good endorphins, then send a stunning gift their way.

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