Expat Mums Unite!
Motherhood is not something we are meant to figure out on our own!
Let’s create a united web of support for expat mums across Belgium!
In many cultures the powerful shift towards motherhood that changes everything—your body, your emotions, your identity is supported and nourished by a community that gently eases you into your role as a mother.
But, as an expat alone, isolated from your family support network and culture this transition into motherhood can be really tough! Finding a group of other new mums in your area to meet up with can go a long way to breaking the loneliness.
Expat Mums In Antwerp is just such a group!
Photo by Ernest Ojeh on Unsplash
Linda Sile-Shriram, originally from Latvia has called Antwerp home for the last 10 years. A fluent Dutch speaker who is well versed in the art of living life as an expat was catapulted into the bewildering world of Belgian maternity services and finding services in English was tricky. Wanting to spare other expectant expat parents the same frustrations Linda set up Mum Loves Data offering tailored consultations for couples to help them understand the maternity service options available in Antwerp and to be able to navigate the system to make informed choices.
Understanding from her own experience how important it is to connect with other new mums and share experiences Linda then took over the Facebook Group ‘Expat Mums In Antwerp’ and begun to create a community! Expat Mums Antwerp is a women-only group for mums and mums-to-be residing in Antwerp. Together they share tips & tricks around pregnancy and motherhood and meet for a coffee or a stroll in the lovely city of Antwerp.
With the mantra: “Be assured, you can show up in any mood, no matter how late, with/without a baby, with/no makeup. It really doesn't matter! The only thing that really matters is showing up.” the strength and kindness that spirals out of connecting with others is profound as one post on the group illustrates:
“6 mothers today and our hearts full of love, exhaustion and the joy of meeting others in similar situations!
For me the expat mum meetup has definitely been a life saver at times”
Katherine Ellwood, Linda Sile-Shriram and the Expat Mums In Antwerp!
Let’s create a united web of support for expat mums across Belgium!
Is there a group such as ‘Expats Mums In Antwerp’ in your area?
Tell us all about it!
Share details of your local group and any other places providing support and a space to get together for expat new mums I will post a short blog on each.
Email: pregnantinbelgium@gmail.com or comment
I look forward to hearing from you!
Kate
