Mamatinées : to break the loneliness of motherhood
Motherhood is beautiful... but it can also be very lonely.
When you become a mother, everything changes.
Your daily routine, your lifestyle, your body and your priorities. And if you’re lucky, you’ll receive a flurry of messages, a few visits and a ton of congratulations.
But after a few weeks, the whirlwind subsides. And silence sets in.
I remember my first mornings as a mother, in my pyjamas at 10 a.m., a baby in my arms and no one to tell about my little (and big) victories.
No colleagues to talk to about my interrupted sleep.
No coffee break with a real-life friend.
Just me, my precious little one... and a vague feeling of isolation.
And I’m not the only one.
What they don’t always tell you…
Maternity leave is not a vacation.
It’s an intense time, filled with love, but also doubts, fatigue and loneliness. We need to have people around us. To be listened to. To connect with other women going through the same thing.
That’s exactly why Mamatinées exist.
To build that famous village we’ve been promised but can’t always find.
Some figures that speak volumes
According to Naître et grandir,1 between 15% and 20% of women suffer from post-partum depression. For its part, CHU Sainte-Justine2 reports that 15% of mothers experience anxiety symptoms during the perinatal period.
Sometimes it’s subtle: a lump in the throat when you wake up, a feeling that you’re not up to the task, a lack of enthusiasm for just getting out of the house.
But how many moms keep it all to themselves?
Because they don’t want to be a nuisance. And they don’t want to be judged.
Feeling seen, heard and understood
Taking part in a Mamatinée is a no-pressure opportunity to get out of the house.
It’s chatting with other moms, without having to justify yourself.
It’s about laughing, crying and discovering local businesses that understand us.
Above all, it’s a reminder that you’re not alone.
So, if you’re reading this and feeling a little isolated these days, remember one thing: your reality is valid. And somewhere, there’s a space for you, filled with warmth, listening and caring.
Come and see us. We’re waiting for you.
References:
1. naitreetgrandir.com/en
2. https://www.chusj.org
