Building Your Village
There’s a saying: “It takes a village to raise a child.”
But here’s the truth — it takes a village to raise a mum, too. 💛
In the early weeks, you might feel like you should be able to do it all yourself — but you weren’t meant to. Humans are wired for connection, and motherhood is lighter, calmer, and far more joyful when you let others in.
🌸 What a “Village” Really Means
Your village doesn’t have to look like the picture-perfect family support system (most of us don’t have that). It’s made up of whoever helps you feel seen, safe, and supported.
That could be:
A friend who drops off dinner
A neighbour who pops by for a walk
A mums’ group that just gets it
Family members who do the washing instead of holding the baby
Your barista who remembers your name and order
Your village can be as small or wide as you need. What matters is that you don’t have to carry motherhood alone. 🌿
🕊️ Asking for (and Accepting) Help
This can be the hardest part. We’re so used to being capable, independent, and holding it together. But motherhood isn’t about proving strength — it’s about sharing it.
Try saying:
“Could you grab me some milk when you’re at the shops?”
“Would you mind holding the baby while I shower?”
“Dinner’s been tricky — can I send you a few meal ideas?”
People love to help, but they often don’t know how. Let them in.
And when they offer? Say yes. Without guilt. 💛
🌼 Finding Your People
Every mum deserves people who make her feel normal — who don’t judge the mess, the tears, or the takeaway dinners.
You might find them:
At a mums and bubs class or playgroup
In parenting Facebook groups (find one that feels kind and real)
Through a friend of a friend who just had a baby too
At the park, when small talk turns into shared stories
You don’t need dozens of friends — just one or two who make you feel lighter when you leave.
🌿 Online Villages Count Too
If you’re not surrounded by local support, the internet can still be a lifeline.
Podcasts, online meetups, and gentle parenting pages can remind you you’re not alone in the 3 a.m. feeds.
Choose spaces that uplift, not compare.
You deserve to feel encouraged — not “less than.”
🌙 Your Village Grows With You
As your baby grows, your village shifts and changes. New people will come in, and others may drift out — that’s okay. You’ll find your rhythm again and again.
And one day, you’ll realise: you’ve become part of someone else’s village too. 🌼
💕 A Gentle Reminder
You were never meant to do this alone.
It’s okay to need help, to ask for company, to lean on someone else’s strength for a while.
Because when mothers support mothers, something beautiful happens —
we all rise together. 🌿