LIMESTONE Coast mums looking to grow their support network and arrange play dates for both themselves and their youngsters can now connect with hundreds of local mums in an instant.
With nearly 200 members and growing, Mama Tribe Mount Gambier and Limestone Coast exists to connect mums in person and online, facilitating catch ups between like-minded mamas.
The local group was established by Mount Gambier resident Alice Masters, now the regional ambassador for the national organisation.
“Mama Tribe was founded by two mums in Queensland late last year,” Ms Masters told The Border Watch.
“They felt quite isolated after giving birth with no family close by and no friends with children, so they had this idea to connect mums in the same area and give people a platform to arrange play dates and events.
“I asked to be an ambassador for the Limestone Coast – I only started up the local Mama Tribe around a month ago and we already have close to 200 members.”
Ms Masters said it was often difficult for new mums to meet people or find time for themselves.
“Connecting online allows people to reach out to other mums from the comfort of home and plan a catch up with someone who understands how tricky it can be to find a time that suits both mum and bub,” she said.
“We are lucky in Mount Gambier to have plenty of play groups and support services available.
“Mama Tribe is an extension of that and a way for people to make friends and create a support network.”
She added the motto for Mama Tribe was “no mum left behind.”
“The aim of the group is to ensure no mum feels lonely or isolated,” Ms Masters said.
“When mums have that support network instances of postnatal depression are reduced and general health and wellbeing is improved.”
Ms Masters said all local mums were welcome to join the group and members were encouraged to host their own meet ups.
“We had our first catch up for national No Mum Left Behind week last Tuesday,” she said.
“We had 14 mums and bubs and one dad sneak along for Baby Bounce at the library followed by a coffee at Presto.
“Members can arrange their own play dates and meet ups, with warmer weather around the corner a few members were planning a weekly walking group and a few of us are having a mums and bubs movie date this week.
“The group is here to facilitate that – all mums need to do is make a post on the Facebook wall.”
