A Maitland mother’s group is taking part in a national event to celebrate Mother’s Day this Friday.
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Babes + Picnics Maitland is one of 34 locations holding an meet on Friday in support of parent’s charity Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA).
The local event is set to be the group’s biggest yet, with about 100 mums set to attend the Maitland Park picnic.
Babes + Picnics Maitland ambassador Lauren Greay has been overwhelmed by the response to the concept.
She said since the group launched earlier this year, they had averaged about 55 mums each month.
“They’re loving the picnics,” she said.
“I’m so proud that these mums want to be involved.”
Ms Greay, who is mum to baby Chloe and son Bryce, said the group was a network for mums to share stories and support one another through what can be a difficult journey.
She said the group had allowed people to open up about a topic that can sometimes be seen as taboo.
“As mums we don’t vocalise how bad the bad days are,” Ms Greay said.
“Motherhood isn’t perfect. Appearances aren’t all they seem.
“But we all come together for one thing. There’s no stigma.”
She said the Babes + Picnics was a great resource for mums-to-be to find out what’s in store for them.
We all come together for one thing. There’s no stigma.
- Babes + Picnics Maitland ambassador Lauren Greay
“They find out the good, the bad and the ugly of it,” she said.
This concept is exemplified in the PANDA charity, Ms Greay said.
While she was lucky not to have suffered perinatal depression, Ms Greay said she had seen friends go through it who needed support.
“PANDA screams that culture of women praising each other and supporting each other,” she said.
The organisation is the only specialist national perinatal mental health telephone counselling service. It provides education services to health professionals and the wider community.
“As much as girlfriends are great, sometimes you need that next level of help,” Ms Greay said.
This Friday’s event is open to all parents, parents-to-be, grandparents and families to attend.
There will be a free raffle with ‘mum prizes’ on offer such as wine, vouchers for hairdressing, high tea, coffee and clothes.
The picnic starts at 9.30am. For more information visit the Babes + Picnics Maitland Facebook group.
