MamaMeets – The connection so you no longer have to go through motherhood alone

MamaMeets is a nonprofit organization based in Lausanne that aims to combat maternal isolation by connecting mothers who gave birth around the same time. It offers a space for exchange, support, and connection where mothers can share their postpartum experiences in a caring environment.

Moms in Lausanne who have recently given birth and are in the postpartum period (0 to 6 months after birth), who wish to meet other moms going through the same stage of motherhood. The project is also aimed at families looking to strengthen their local social network.

MamaMeets was born out of a personal experience shared by its founders, Victoria Da Silva and Camille Glatz. Both went through a challenging postpartum period, marked by a feeling of loneliness despite the presence of their loved ones and their theoretical knowledge of motherhood. While preparing for childbirth, Victoria and the other participants in her childbirth preparation class created a WhatsApp group to share their feelings, questions, and discoveries throughout their pregnancies. After giving birth, these exchanges naturally continued, helping to forge a genuine bond between the mothers—a bond built on listening, understanding, and kindness. On several occasions, they wanted to meet in person. However, organizing these gatherings often proved difficult: few venues can accommodate several moms with their babies and strollers while also offering a private and comfortable space to breastfeed or simply relax. This observation gave rise to MamaMeets, an organization conceived by Victoria and Camille to offer new moms the opportunity to experience this sense of sharing and support in a welcoming, accessible, and caring environment. Camille, who had also been fortunate enough to form a small circle of postpartum moms among her friends and family around the same time, quickly joined the project, convinced by the relevance and impact of this initiative. From their shared experiences, MamaMeets.ch was born—a Lausanne-based initiative that aims to offer all mothers the opportunity to share their experiences with other women going through the same stage of motherhood, in a supportive and local setting. Challenges: Maternal isolation can have significant repercussions on mental health (prolonged baby blues, anxiety, parental burnout, and can lead to postpartum depression) and on the quality of the parent-child bond. Fostering connections among mothers going through the same postnatal period helps to: - Break the cycle of isolation and rebuild a local social network; - Provide a space for listening and peer support; - Prevent postpartum psychological difficulties; - Promote the sharing of experiences and solidarity among women; Encourage a more serene and confident motherhood experience. Feedback from many mothers confirms that building connections among mothers who share a similar due date or are in a similar stage of the postpartum period plays an essential role in emotional and mental well-being. However, few institutional programs offer a setting for spontaneous, non-medical interactions among mothers going through the same stages. MamaMeets fills this gap by facilitating these valuable human connections. Opportunity: MamaMeets offers a simple, human, and accessible solution to improve new mothers’ well-being after childbirth. By connecting women who gave birth around the same time, the project fosters natural mutual support, the sharing of experiences, and the prevention of isolation. Two options are being considered: - In partnership with a clinic or hospital—a collaboration currently under discussion—where mothers could be connected as early as the maternity ward, particularly through childbirth preparation classes. - Without a clinic or hospital, via an independent platform allowing mothers in Lausanne to register and be grouped according to their due dates. In both cases, the project aims to strengthen community ties, create a local support network, and offer mothers a safe and welcoming space to share freely. In-person meetings will be facilitated by providing suitable facilities, targeted communication, and small supplies to make mothers and their babies feel welcome.

Lausanne – central and outlying neighborhoods (locations to be determined based on available spaces and partnerships). Some ideas currently being considered: Café du Musée de la Main (a welcoming venue near the CHUV) Community centers Cafés and restaurants in Lausanne that have a small, private room available.

Fall 2025: Meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025, with a maternity ward to discuss possible terms of collaboration or partnership. Winter 2025–2026: Finalization of the concept and logistical preparation of the project (establishment of the association, search for venues, development of communication materials, creation of the registration form). Spring 2026: Launch of the pilot project in Lausanne, with the creation of the first MamaMeets group and the organization of the first gatherings for mothers. Summer 2026: Evaluation of feedback, adjustment of the program, and planning for expansion to other neighborhoods in Lausanne.

3,800

Currently under discussion with the CHUV (meeting scheduled with the Director of Nursing for the Mother and Child Department on November 19; the project has already been reviewed by the CHUV’s Acting Assistant Director of Nursing)