THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY Beeyond the Bump

BY WANDA KURCHABA PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Milestone events such as graduations, weddings, or having a child are often exhilarating and momentous, however many other emotions come into play as well. Natasha Leonard knows all too well the feelings that can affect your physical and mental health after you’ve had a baby.

“I was a new mom and I didn’t realize it at the time, but I suffered from postpartum anxiety for 13 months. My hormones were completely out of whack and I just didn’t feel like myself,” said Natasha.

After becoming pregnant a second time she knew she just couldn’t go through that again. When her second child was around seven months old, she felt the grip loosening and reached out to her doctor for help. “This time, I knew I wasn’t supposed to be feeling this way.”

With her personal struggles behind her, Natasha had a sense that there were a lot of other new moms out there that were facing similar situations. And that’s how Beeyond the Bump was born.

This new Brandon-based business is owned by Natasha and her business partner Sam Wells, who is also a new mom after adopting a child just over a year ago.

“Together, we helped each other through our postpartum experiences and now we want to help other women as well. We’re here to support one another, we want to learn

We want to create a space that is inclusive, comfortable, and free of judgment. A place where new moms, regardless of how their baby came to them can feel a connection to the community and get the support they need.

and figure out parenthood together,” said Natasha. “Postpartum isn’t just about depression and anxiety, there are many different aspects.” The concept of Beeyond the Bump is based on a program that exists in Ireland, where Natasha immigrated from. Called Community Mothers, the notion is based on moms visiting other moms in their homes to support them. They are a sounding board, they offer support, help to make lunch, and if need be care for the baby while the new mom showers or takes a much-needed nap.

“They look at the moms in a very holistic sense. Every part of her needs to be in line for her to be a benefit to everybody around her, including herself. I know that comes with support and understanding that if something is wrong, you need to know where to direct that person,” said Natasha.

Beeyond the Bump will focus on creating bonds with other mothers through courses, workshops, and support groups. A vast range of topics will be covered including discussions on relationships, pelvic floor health, postpartum anxiety, and so on. The sessions will focus on the mother’s health and well-being and the duration will vary. Some will last six weeks or more, others will be held in one evening. From the start, courses will be held at related businesses such as Baby Bump, but eventually the new entrepreneurs plan to have their own facility where they can support and educate their clients. They also hope to expand services outside of the city.

“We want to create a space that is inclusive, comfortable, and free of judgment. A place where new moms, regardless of how their baby came to them can feel a connection to the community and get the support they need,” said Natasha. “Our space will be open to women who delivered their children vaginally, adopted, had a cesarian, are new moms, or have multiple children.” 

Beeyond the Bump 204.724.8398 beeyondthebump@gmail.com www.beeyondthebump.com @beeyondthebump