Finding Strength in Parenthood: The Support Network Changing Lives

 

The baby blues lingered and simple tasks like stepping outside felt impossible

Maddison Evans will never forget the early days of motherhood, the days “that brought an overwhelming sense of anxiety”, leaving her feeling isolated, exhausted, and constantly on edge.

As a first-time mum to baby Arthur, those struggles hit hard. The first few months weren’t the dreamy Instagram-worthy moments she had imagined. Instead, they were filled with sleepless nights, intrusive thoughts, and a crushing sense of responsibility. With her partner away in the military, she was left to navigate the challenges of new motherhood alone.

 She said: “When you first become a parent, no one really talks about how lonely it can be. At first, your friends are so excited about your pregnancy, promising to be around all the time. In those first few weeks after the baby is born, there’s a constant stream of visitors, everyone eager to hold the baby. But then, suddenly, it all stops.

“Your partner goes back to work, the visits slow down, and you’re left on your own. The days feel long, and between waking up and going to bed, you have so much time to think—sometimes too much.”

Many new mums struggling with anxiety, like Maddison, feel that traditional baby groups can feel intimidating, especially when it seems like everyone has formed friendships.

She said: “When Arthur was born, I got into a really bad place and didn’t know what to do so I rang 111. They pointed me in the direction of local charities that host group meetings for parents struggling with their mental health. But each time I went I couldn’t help but feel as if I were being judged.”

Maddison’s isolation intensified and “the pressure to be the perfect mother felt suffocating”.

She wasn’t alone in her experience, though it often felt that way. It was only when she connected with other new mums that she realised just how common these feelings were.

But through this darkness, a light emerged—a community that would change everything.

“I stumbled upon a few fellow mums facing similar fears and together we formed a bond that not only normalised our shared experiences but also became a lifeline of support and that’s when I first had an idea.”

And what started as a few honest conversations soon blossomed into something bigger.

That was the launch of The Anxious Mum’s Club, a community of mums supporting each other through the challenges of motherhood.

Now, Maddison’s community continues to grow, offering online and in-person meetups where mums can be open about their struggles without judgment.

This club is the best thing to ever happen to me, I don’t feel so alone now.

Rachel Sheldrake shared that the group has transformed her experience of motherhood and made it a lot more manageable, particularly as a single mum.

“I’ve been a single mum since my daughter was born, so for me, I can’t look forward to the end of the day when a partner comes home to offer that extra support. I’m constantly sat in my thoughts, and it’s a lot to juggle on your own.

“Since finding such a supportive community like The Anxious Mum’s Club, I feel so much less alone.”

Rachel no longer feels isolated in her own thoughts, knowing that countless other parents have had the same experiences of constant overthinking.

“I no longer feel silly for Googling things like ‘why is my baby breathing strangely’ late at night because it turns out I’m not the only one who has had that thought!”

Finding a community like The Anxious Mum’s Club has been life-changing for so many new mums in Dorset, reassuring them that no one knows truly how to be the perfect parent. But it’s not just mums that benefit from the club’s support.

In reality, I don’t need to bottle my feelings up, and The Anxious Mum’s Club made me realise that.

For Peter Harris, becoming a father brought a new experience he hadn’t expected: anxiety.

“I never felt like I had anxiety before I had my daughter,” he admits. “I always thought when people said they had anxiety, they just felt a bit down about something. But after having Imogen, I immediately felt overwhelmed, especially with the sudden responsibility I had for another person.”

The weight of fatherhood caught both Peter and his wife off-guard. “I realised that anxiety isn’t just something I’m experiencing—it’s something so many other new parents are feeling right now too.”

For many new dads, the transition to parenthood can be daunting, and yet, there often isn’t enough support available to say, ‘I’m struggling.’

This lack of support left Peter feeling isolated at first, but everything changed when his wife, also grappling with the anxieties of new motherhood, found solace in The Anxious Mums Club.

“Once my wife joined the club, we both started making connections with other parents who were going through the same things. It’s been such a relief to have that outlet,” Peter explained.

“It’s not just about talking; it’s about knowing you’re not alone. It’s given us both a way to share what we’re going through and a platform to communicate openly.”

For Peter, the support he’s received from The Anxious Mum’s Club has become something far deeper than just a conversation.

He said: “It’s made me realise that I don’t need to bottle everything up. I’ve learned how important it is to take time to talk to people and to look after one another.”

The Anxious Mum’s Club offers support and guidance for all parents navigating motherhood and organises weekly events for both parents and babies to come together and make everything feel a little less daunting.

Maddison said: “Although I’m still sleep-deprived, far from having it all together, and face days where leaving the house seems daunting, I have curated a community that lifts me up on my dark days and celebrates with me on the good ones.”

To find out more, go to theanxiousmumclub.co.uk