From Strangers to a Thriving Community

In the serene backdrop of MacRitchie Reservoir, four incredible mums transformed their solitary journeys into a vibrant community. Once strangers, Amanda, Ho, Jiezhen, and Hema now lead the Mindful Mamas, a rapidly growing group of nearly 1,000 mothers in Singapore seeking to embrace motherhood with mindfulness and intention.

The Lonesome Road of Motherhood

Amanda Ong, a 30-year-old musician, became a mother in May 2024. Despite her love for her newborn daughter, she struggled with feelings of loneliness, as most of her friends were not mothers and struggled to relate to her new life. 22The loneliness of new motherhood really got to me,22 she confessed.

Ho Kin Ing, a business owner, welcomed her third daughter in September 2023 but found the experience overwhelming. Having battled postpartum depression, she felt anxious and burned out even after years of motherhood. 22I was filled with nerves and couldn’t relax,22 she admitted, hoping for a different experience this time around.

Discovering Connection in Nature

Meanwhile, Jiezhen and Hema met outside a nature-based daycare, bonding over their shared experiences as mothers of two. Their leisurely walks with the babies turned into a therapeutic escape, allowing them to reflect and unwind away from the hustle of life.

Over time, through fortuitous encounters at baby events and courses, the four found each other, realizing they shared a profound desire for connection amidst the chaos of motherhood.

Growing Together: The Birth of Mindful Mama Walks

Inspired by their walks, Jiezhen created a WhatsApp group called Mindful Mama Walks to facilitate their gatherings. Soon, others joined in, eager to experience the joy of mindfulness in nature. 22The community just grew as we shared with other mums,22 Jiezhen recounted.

Their initiative burgeoned into daily walks across the island, forming the heart of a blossoming supportive network. From playdates to educational activities, the community now boasts various groups catering to personal preferences.

In-Person Bonds: The Heart of Mindful Mamas

While the community thrived digitally, in-person meetings remained vital. 22We make it a point to meet; that’s where real connections happen,22 Wu emphasized, noting how these meetups bridge the loneliness many mothers face.

The founders prioritize creating a safe, judgement-free environment. They empathize with fellow mothers, encouraging them to step out, especially when feeling tired or uncertain.

Navigating Challenges with Mindfulness

The community demonstrated remarkable maturity when disputes arose, gracefully reminding each other of their shared values: openness, empathy, and mutual respect. Ho recalled a sensitive topic about baby sleep, where members actively diffused tension without needing intervention from the founders.

Embracing New Perspectives on Parenthood

Reflecting on her journey, Ong noted the immense insights gained from the community, encouraging her to explore options like homeschooling, which she hadn’t previously considered. Nathan expressed relief in connecting with other mothers going through similar struggles, realizing they are all doing their best.

A Vision for the Future: Raising Awareness and Support

Looking ahead, Ho envisions expanding Mindful Mamas into a platform that addresses pressing parenting issues, inspired by similar advocacy groups in Singapore. As the group grows beyond 1,000 members, Wu acknowledges the need for more hands to maintain its core values of mindfulness and connection.

With each step, Mindful Mamas is redefining the motherhood experience, turning the often lonely path into a supportive journey, reminding each mother that she is not alone.