When my daughter was a tiny baby and I was home alone with her, I remember thinking: This is not how it's meant to be. I am not meant to be alone in this. I am supposed to be surrounded by other women, by an extended family and a village of friends. I would notice that whenever women would gather together - in both the real life and online yoga classes I went to - we would spend ages at the beginning just talking. We were so desperate for the space to be heard and to hear. This was not about comparing milestones or trying to one-up other moms, it was a deep need to connect and be witnessed in the moment that we were in.
The Story
Why Mama Holding?
Break the Isolation
Build Your Village
Share Experiences
Connect Deeply
If we do not feel like we are part of a greater tribe, if we do not feel like we have people who love and accept and 'get' us, we start to feel like we're just not coping. We struggle to be happy in a time that could be a time of great joy, and then we feel terrible about not being joyful. We wish away the moments and then regret that we did. We feel like there must be something wrong with us. Are we the only ones who feel like this? Everyone else seems just fine. What about us?
When we gather together, we realise that actually no one is 'just fine'. Realising that and connecting with other people who are not 'just fine' for similar reasons to us makes us feel a sense of solidarity and relief at being able to fall back into a comfortable net of connections.
Who Am I?
"My aim is to allow people a safe space to express themselves, to be witnessed and to be able to do the same for others."
I'm Caitlin, a Specialist Wellness Counsellor (registered with the ASCHP), a mother, teacher, entrepreneur, and wife. The different roles I fulfil have led me to understand the deep importance of connection - both with ourselves and others. I'm passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves.
Through my experience in teaching and counselling, I've honed the skills needed to hold space for individuals and bring groups together. In our sharing circles, I ensure each person feels safe in both giving and receiving.
Mama Holding is my way of providing a sanctuary for open, vulnerable sharing. Here, we create a collective space where every mother can express herself freely and feel truly understood.
What do the Sessions Look Like?
Online Access
No need to get out of bed.
Emotional Check-ins
Share your feelings in a safe space.
Intimate Group
Space is limited to 6 moms.
The sessions are online. This means that everyone has access, no matter where you are. It also means that you don't have to try and plan your day carefully and then end up rushing out the house with your hungry baby. You don't have to run into a session after driving 20 minutes while your baby screamed all the way. You can log in while you are snuggled up in bed, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, still in your PJs. It doesn't matter that the dishes are unwashed or that the laundry basket is overflowing - and if that's in the background of your video, it's ok too. You can really, really come as you are.
The sessions are not all going to look exactly alike and there is no rigid plan that we need to follow. I will lead a mixture of emotional check ins, short meditation/grounding exercises, and focused, led discussions. We will have the opportunity to dig into some pertinent issues around relationships, identity, birthing etc. I will be there to offer what I have learnt where relevant and no doubt we will all learn more about ourselves, others and our babies along the way.
The point is to share and be shared with. This means that the space will be carefully curated so that everyone knows how to hold each other - despite differences in views and experiences. There is a focus on hearing and understanding and a no-advice policy - unless advice is explicitly asked for.
Important Details
Pricing
Free
Donations Welcome
Dates
1st & 3rd Thursdays
Every Month
Time
11am - 12pm
60 minutes
Additional Information
Yes, Please do! We would love to have your energy, experience and perspective in the circle. There is a lot going on for women in all moments of motherhood - during pregnancy and beyond, and often there is very little space to really express and share this.
Yes! It is likely (and expected!) that you will have your baby with you, especially if they are very young.
Yes! Cameras on and Mics On - Mostly. Of course there might be moments when it may feel better to have your camera and/or mic off but overall we need to see, hear and feel your presence. This is not a work Teams Meeting. It is an opportunity for real connection.
Pretty important as our time is limited! But, I know that life with babies is not predictable, so just try your best. By choosing to join the circle, you are choosing to give yourself time to nurture yourself and the others in the group. Try to keep all distractions (except your child!) out of sight for the short time we have together.
Yes! I run a private counselling practice and offer individual counselling sessions. I work with individuals to uncover deep truths about themselves, allowing them to live more fulfilling and happy lives. Please visit www.millennialcounselling.com.