The Return of the Village: Rebuilding Community for New Mums

The Isolation of Modern Motherhood

I remember the first time I truly felt the weight of loneliness in motherhood. My baby was just a few weeks old, and despite the well-wishes and occasional visitors, I found myself sitting in my living room, scrolling through social media, wondering why I still felt so alone. I wasn’t the only one up at 3 AM, yet the reality of early motherhood felt like an island I couldn’t escape from.

So many mums tell me the same story. We’re raising our babies in a time when support networks have frayed, when family members live further apart, and when the expectation is that we just “get on with it.” But the truth is, we were never meant to do this alone.

For generations, motherhood was supported by a network of women—grandmothers, aunts, and friends—who helped care for new mothers as much as they did for babies. Meals were cooked, washing was done, and a reassuring voice was never far away. But modern life has shifted that dynamic. Many of us no longer live close to family, and even when we do, the pressures of work and daily life often leave little time for extra support. Instead, we turn to Google for advice, WhatsApp chats for connection, and social media for validation, but it’s not the same as a warm hug or a knowing smile from another mum who just gets it.

Social Media: Connection or Illusion?

In those early days, I turned to social media, hoping it would help. I followed parenting accounts, read blogs, and watched other mums sharing their journeys. But instead of feeling supported, I often felt worse. There was a gap between the picture-perfect posts and the raw reality I was living.

I saw images of glowing mums in beautifully curated homes, sipping herbal tea while their babies slept peacefully. Meanwhile, I was struggling to keep my eyes open, my coffee was always cold, and I couldn’t remember the last time I ate a proper meal. The Royal Society for Public Health found that social media can increase feelings of loneliness and inadequacy in mothers, and I believe it. No amount of late-night scrolling could replace the feeling of having another mum sit beside me, cup of tea in hand, saying, “I get it.”

One of the mums at a walk once told me, “I used to feel like I had loads of mum friends, but I realised most of them were just on my phone. I needed people in my real life.” That conversation stayed with me because it sums up what so many of us experience—we’re more connected than ever online, yet many of us feel more isolated than any generation of mothers before us.

How I created Nest Glasgow to rebuild the village for new mums.

That’s why I built Nest Glasgow. I wanted a space where mums could walk in, tired and messy, and immediately feel seen, understood, and supported. I didn’t want another baby group where the focus was solely on the child—I wanted something for us, the mums, because when we are supported, we are better able to care for our little ones.

At Mellow Mummas classes, I see mums arrive on their first day feeling hesitant, maybe even a little lost. But then, something shifts. A conversation starts between two mums who realise their babies are the same age. Friendships form not because they’re forced, but because we are giving ourselves the space to truly connect.

We create moments that remind us of what true community looks like. The mum who helps another strap her baby into a sling for the first time. The deep sigh of relief from a woman who realises she’s not the only one struggling with sleep deprivation. The spontaneous tea-and-biscuit chats that turn into friendships that last far beyond maternity leave.

The Power of Real Connection

There is real research behind this. Studies show that mothers with strong support networks experience lower stress levels and improved mental well-being. A study in the Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing found that mothers who engaged in postnatal community groups reported higher levels of resilience and happiness. But honestly, I don’t need studies to tell me that. I see it every day.

I see it in the way mums laugh together after a movement class, in the way they support each other through sleep regressions and teething, and in the way they check in on one another long after they’ve left the studio.

I had a mum tell me recently, “I used to think I needed to do everything on my own, like that was some badge of honour. But since coming here, I’ve learned that leaning on others isn’t weakness—it’s what keeps me going.”

That is exactly what Nest is about. It’s not just about offering a service—it’s about rebuilding the village that so many of us are missing.

Why We Must Rebuild the Village

Motherhood was never meant to be a solo journey. But in today’s world, we have to be intentional about creating the support we need. Nest isn’t just a studio—it’s a space for so many mums who need somewhere to be, breathe, and belong.

We talk a lot about postnatal mental health, but too often, the conversation focuses on treating the symptoms rather than addressing the root causes. And one of the biggest causes? Loneliness. Disconnection. The feeling that you have to do it all alone.

So many of the mental health struggles mums face could be eased simply by having a strong, reliable support system. And that’s exactly what Nest will provide. A place where you can come exactly as you are—exhausted, uncertain, still in yesterday’s clothes—and know that you’ll be met with understanding, warmth, and support.

Finding Your Village

If you’re reading this and you’ve been feeling isolated, I want you to know that you don’t have to do this on your own.There is a place for you, whether that’s at Nest or somewhere else in your local community. The most important thing is that you take that first step towards connection.

I know it can be daunting. I know it’s easier to stay home and tell yourself that you’ll try again next week. But I promise you, once you take that step, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

I built Nest Glasgow because I needed it myself. And if you’re a mum who’s been longing for real connection, maybe you need it too.

So if you’re feeling lost in motherhood, I want you to know this: your village is still out there. And you are not alone.

Join me at Nest for a class, play session or even a massage. We open on April 28th.

Pregnancy Classes Glasgow

Pregnancy Classes Glasgow

Baby Yoga Glasgow

Nest Glasgow is a family-friendly wellness and co-working studio designed specifically for pregnancy, postnatal recovery, and motherhood support. We offer baby-friendly fitness classes, including postnatal yoga, pregnancy yoga, and mum-and-baby movement, so mums can focus on their well-being without needing childcare. Nest is more than just a mum and baby class—it’s a welcoming space for maternal mental health, community, and connection, where mothers can meet others, share experiences, and feel supported through the challenges of early motherhood. Alongside movement and well-being classes, we provide co-working sessions, giving mums the space to work, focus, and collaborate. With expert-led sessions in prenatal and postnatal care, Nest takes a holistic approach to women’s health after birth, helping mums rebuild strength, reduce stress, and find their village. Whether you're looking for postnatal exercise, mum meet-ups in Glasgow, co-working spaces for parents, or a relaxing space to recharge with your baby, Nest is here to support you every step of the way.