Moms Helping Moms: MESH moms Builds Connection and Community By Traci Sanders
Ask any mom about the challenges of motherhood, and you’ll hear words like sleep deprivation, stress management, keeping the kids entertained, and more. But one thing that nearly every mom goes through but rarely talks about—whether out of guilt or the fear of being judged—is the feeling of isolation. Being home with little humans who demand your time, attention, and energy daily can be physically and mentally taxing. However, many moms worry they will appear ungrateful, selfish, or weak if they mention needing help or needing more human interaction than what their children provide. A new organization serving the greater Atlanta area aims to address this challenge and build a supportive community for new mothers. MESH moms is an independent, secular, in-person group for mothers that launched in July 2023 to connect and empower women during pregnancy and the duration of the early childhood years. One of their primary goals is to help moms put all those fears, insecurities, and struggles to rest. The group was founded by two friends, Martina Stellmaszek and Juliana Caspari, who are moms of seven children combined. They’re dedicated to combating the isolation and overwhelm that many new moms experience. “Motherhood is challenging enough; no one should have to go through it alone,” Juliana shared.
December 2023 Our Town Gwinnett
Both women are former executives who decided to use their corporate skills and advanced business degrees to create this entrepreneurial venture to help local moms. “We wanted to provide a safe in-person space, as well as online, where moms could connect, share experiences, and receive guidance,” Juliana explained. The club is open to and aims to provide a friendly, welcoming environment for mothers from all backgrounds and parenting styles. MESH moms organizes playgroups based on children’s ages and developmental stages. Workshops on breastfeeding, sleep training, potty training, and postpartum mental health are also offered. Resources such as cooking classes are already on the calendar for next year. “We believe that by coming together,” Juliana added, “we can create a powerful network that helps women navigate the challenges of motherhood and build lasting friendships along the way.” Some of the regular meet-up activities include stroller walks, baby hangouts at the park, mobile baby playground meet-ups, luncheons, moms’ nights out, and more. Some are scheduled weekly, and others occur monthly. Seasonal events such as outings to pumpkin patches, annual holiday parties, and kids’ carnivals are also on the calendar. Since the group is in its infancy and looking to grow, the founders are offering membership for just $1 per month to the first 100 members. Continued on page 17
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