A Community of Mothers Finding Connection and Support

At MacRitchie Reservoir, four women came together, the founders of Mindful Mamas. The late afternoon sun filtered through the trees as they prepared for their regular walk, each with their baby. A year prior, they were strangers, but now they worked together to build a community of nearly 1,000 mothers in Singapore. These mothers sought to slow down, manage stress, and raise their children in a mindful and intentional way. Before finding each other, motherhood often felt like a struggle.

Amanda Ong, a musician, became a mother in May 2024. While elated and in love with her daughter, she often felt alone. Most of her friends were not mothers, and few understood the changes in her life. Ho Kin Ing, a business owner, gave birth to her third daughter in September 2023. Despite her experience, she still felt anxious and burnt out. She was determined to approach motherhood differently this time.

Jiezhen Wu, a leadership coach, and Hema Nathan, an educator, met outside a nature-based daycare. They bonded over slow walks with their newborns, finding solace in quiet mornings. They began taking regular walks at MacRitchie Reservoir, where the surroundings helped them reconnect with themselves. Over a few months, the four women found each other through shared interests. They realized they shared a deep desire for community, finding ease and connection in nature.

Initially, Wu organized the walks via WhatsApp. Soon, the invitations spread beyond the four. The community grew organically as mothers shared the walks with others. The four mothers often attended events related to pregnancy and parenthood. Eventually, the mothers themselves took the initiative to organize walks.

The community now includes groups for homeschooling, playdates, item swaps, and workouts designed for mothers with babies. While the community began digitally, in-person meet-ups remain central to Mindful Mamas. These gatherings provide a space for genuine connection and support.

Mindful Mamas organizes events beyond casual walks, including family gatherings and item swaps. These events provide opportunities for mothers to connect and share experiences. The founders aim to create a safe, judgment-free zone, both online and in real life. They offer empathy and encouragement to mothers who are hesitant to join outings.

The community has shown maturity and grace when tensions arise. Nathan shared that the space helped her embrace her identity as a mother and wife. Looking ahead, Ho hopes Mindful Mamas will raise awareness about parenting-related issues. Wu is proud of the group's organic growth and recognizes the need for more support to manage the community and ensure it remains grounded in its original intention of mindfulness and connection.