Community & Connection: Finding Strength in Shared Stories and Support
When I became a mom, I realized something no book prepared me for: the deep need for true connection. Not just friendly chats or cute baby photos—but real, soul-filling connection with others who get it.
Motherhood can feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by love. You can have a baby in your arms and still feel like you’re on an island. But you’re not. There’s a village out there—moms just like you, craving the same thing: compassion, shared stories, and support.
This blog is a place for honest reflections, real stories, and reminders that you’re not the only one feeling this way. Let’s talk about the power of community—and why your needs matter just as much as your baby’s.
Finding Your Village
You’ve heard the saying, “It takes a village,” but what if yours feels out of reach? Maybe you’re far from family, the first of your friends to have a baby, or simply craving deeper relationships. Even then, you can still build your village—one small connection at a time.
Start small:
Join a local mom-and-baby yoga class or story time at the library
Say yes to that coffee invite from the mom at the park
Explore online groups where real talk is welcome
Start your own meet-up—walks, snacks, or a cry-laugh session on the couch
Your village doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be real.
Why Community Matters—For Your Mind and Body
It’s not just a nice idea—connection is a biological need. Research shows that strong social support during the postpartum period is linked to lower levels of stress, reduced risk of postpartum depression, and improved physical recovery.¹ Feeling emotionally supported activates areas of the brain associated with safety and emotional regulation, helping new moms feel more grounded and less overwhelmed.²
Even brief moments of connection—like a reassuring text or a shared laugh—can have real, measurable effects on your well-being. We are wired to thrive in community, and motherhood is not meant to be done alone.
Real Mom Moment: Sharing Highs and Lows
Some days are full of sleepy snuggles and sweet baby giggles. Other days? It’s spit-up in your hair, tears (yours and baby’s), and wondering if you’re the only one struggling.
One of my most memorable early moments as a mom was when Xayden’s umbilical cord fell off and he had his first blowout—back to back. His belly button was raw, I panicked, and just as I called for my husband, our cat Ivy wandered in—only to get peed on, along with me. It was complete chaos. I ended up calling my sister-in-law, then the on-call nurse, just needing someone to tell me it was okay.
And that’s the thing—I had people I could call. My extended family was my built-in village, and their reassurance helped me breathe through those uncertain moments. But I know not every mom has that kind of support right away. That’s why community matters so much.
Whether it’s texting someone who’s been there, showing up for another mom, or creating your own circle from scratch—it’s the shared stories, the laughter, and the honesty that hold us together. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need connection.
You’re Not Alone
If your “village” doesn’t feel close—or doesn’t exist yet—you can still build one, one honest connection at a time. Community isn’t always something we’re handed. Sometimes, it’s something we create.
This space is for you—the moms doing their best, the ones still finding their footing, and the ones longing to feel seen. Let’s grow together, with real stories, open hearts, and a reminder that we don’t have to do this alone.
Know that I’m here, walking this journey too—and I hope this space can be a small part of your village. 💛
Share your story in the comments or tag me on Instagram @mind.body.and.baby. Let’s build something beautiful—together.
Sources:
¹ Razurel, C., Kaiser, B., Sellenet, C., & Epiney, M. (2017). Relation between perceived stress, social support, and coping strategies among pregnant women. Journal of Health Psychology, 18(3), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105317701840
² Inagaki, T. K. (2018). Neural mechanisms of the link between giving social support and health. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1428(1), 33–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13968