Who We Are
Mums Support Network (NPO 220-558) is a community organisation run by mothers who give support and encouragement to other mums in need. Motherhood can be challenging and sometimes isolating, and we aim to provide a safe space for mothers to connect with other mums who understand. We can all be honest and open about our thoughts and feelings. As a non-judgmental group, everything discussed is met with unconditional love and empathy.Â
How can Mums Support Network Help You?
Mums Support Network is based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
We are currently trying to expand our reach to more provinces! We have the following ways in which you can find support:
WhatsApp groups
Our local WhatsApp groups are available 24/7 – Many mums are awake at odd hours with their babies; there is usually someone available at any time of the day to offer advice, encouragement and a sense of solidarity.
Support Group Meetings and Coffee Mornings
We have a number of face-to-face meetings across KZN and further afield, where mothers can meet up to chat openly and judgement-free. It is tremendously comforting to be in the company of others who can relate, and to know that you are not alone!
Online Support
For those mothers who do not have access to our face-to-face meetings, we have a dedicated whatsapp group, as well as regular online meetings.
Social Media
To keep up with our latest news and events, as well as useful resources and friendly advice, find us on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.
WhatsApp Support Groups:
Alex 083 788 0689
Upper Highway area:
Hayls 078 889 0641
Gauteng:
Amanda 071 608 8142
Remote – other areas:
Keryn 066 014 7330
Baby Health/development Info:
Emma 079 347 6411
Breastfeeding support:
Danielle 066 213 9011
Kirsty 078 543 7424
Special needs advice:
Emma 079 347 6411
Support Group Meetings:
Durban (Sunningdale):
Every Thursday between 9:30AM and 11:00AM at The Village, Sunningdale Centre
More info: Alex 083 788 0689
Durban (Wentworth):
Every Thursday between 10:30AM and 12:00PM at Blue Roof Life Space
More info: Jane 083 583 1887
Johannesburg (Eldorado Park):
Every other Saturday
More info: Amanda 071 608 8142
Online:
Every other Wednesday between 7:00PM and 8:00PM on Zoom
More info: Shadé 061 002 4932
Coffee morning socials (Durban):
Once a month on Saturdays – with baby and toddler play areas
More info: Kirsty 078 543 7424
Breastfeeding Support meetings (Durban):
More info: Kirsty 078 543 7424
Counselling:
Free Counselling Service: Counselling Matters
More info: email yvonne@counsellingmatterssa.co.za
Discounted Professional Online Counselling: Upright SA
Qualified Counselling and/or Psychotherapy (Mums Support Network members get a 10% discount)
more info: email danielle.reynolds@uprightsa.co.za or WhatsApp 066 213 9011
Suicidal Emergencies: SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline
If you or someone you know is having thoughts about suicide, please call 0800 567 567 (FREE OF CHARGE) or sms 31393 .
A trained counsellor will help you.
You can also go directly to your nearest hospital casualty.
Durban
Support Group
WhatsApp Group
Contact: Alex 0837880689
SUPPORT GROUP MEETING
(from 3 Feb)
La Lucia Library conference room,
9:30-11:00
Every Thursday
North Coast
Mom & Baby Coffee Mornings
WhatsApp Group
Contact: Lauren Shapiro 083 788 8108
MOM AND BABY GET TOGETHER
see Mumma Tribe on Facebook
Every Monday 9AM in Ballito
South Coast
Support Group Meeting
WhatsApp Group
Contact: Jane 0648909324
SUPPORT GROUP MEETING
New Covenant Church, Galway Road, Scottburgh
9:30-12:00
Every TuesdayÂ
Highway/Upper Highway
WhatsApp Group
Contact: Hayls Lieberthal 078 889 0641
Remote E-Group
Online Meetings
WhatsApp Group
Bi-weekly on Saturdays
Contact Danielle for Zoom codes and more info: 0662139011
Breastfeeding Support
Contact: Danielle Reynolds 072 848 9792
Support for Student Mums
SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
Contact: Suzanne Stokes 080 080 0017
chs.sss@ukzn.ac.za
Suicidal Emergencies
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group
0800 567 567
Life Line 0861 322 322
Website:Â Â https://www.sadag.org/
Please Donate using our Zapper QR code.
Mums Support Network can only operate with the generous funding of our supporters.
If you’d like to discuss your donation please contact us using our contact form and we’ll be in touch.
Mums Support Blog
Supporting Mums across South Africa
It’s been a very long time since the last blog post! In this time the Mums Support Network home base of Durban has been coming back to life slowly following Covid, riots and floods… it’s been a big load to deal with, on top of the daily stresses we have to endure as...
Mums Support – 2022 News
Hello mums, Alex here. Happy new year to you all. My personal wish to you is for 2022 to be less of a dumpster fire than the last two years! I haven’t written a blog post here for a while, so I thought I would let you all know what Mums Support Network has been up to...
You are not alone!
I’m one of those parents who subscribe to just about every newsletter that pertains to my daughter’s development. This might seem a teeny tiny bit of an obsession, especially for someone who used to teach preschool kids, yet for me the world is always changing and...
A Word
From Alexandra – Founder of Mums Support Network
There is no manual for motherhood, but as mothers we can find solidarity with each other.
Hi mums! I’m Alex and I started this organisation in 2016.  It’s gone from the humble beginnings of a weekly get-together at my home in Durban, to a non-profit organisation providing various types of support for mothers across the province of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as mental health education within our communities. This amount of growth in such a short space of time I put down to two factors: firstly the phenomenal mothers within this group who are so willing to help one another; secondly the massive need for groups like this.
Becoming a mother is overwhelming. Every woman who makes the transition into motherhood will experience mixed emotions about the changes in her life. Â READ MORE…
In the Community
Start a Group in your area
Do you think a group like this is needed in your area? Would you be able to spare just a couple of hours every week? Face-to-face communication is an invaluable way for mums to support each other, and we would love Mums Support Network to expand in order to reach more mums in need! There is a desperate shortage of places where mums can connect judgement-free with others going through similar experiences. Mums Support Network provides guidelines for starting your own group. To find out more please send an email to alexandra@mumsupport.co.za
Guest Speakers
If you would like to share your personal story or relevant professional advice, we would be delighted to welcome you to one of our meetings. Mums Support Network is also committed to fighting the stigma surrounding maternal mental health, and we regularly speak at events within the community. For further enquiries please email hayls@mumsupport.co.za.
Donate
Mums Support Network is a community organisation that runs entirely on the generosity of its members and other sponsors. Donations are used to purchase refreshments for our free weekly support meetings, welcome packs for new members, operational costs of our website as well as publicity to reach other mums who need our support. Email alexandra@mumsupport.co.za to discuss a donation. Direct deposits can be made to:
Name: Mums Support Network
Bank: Nedbank
Branch code: 13562600
Type: savings
Acc no: 1194190316Â
Ask Hayls! Do you have a question for lifecoach and PND survivor Hayls Lieberthal? Email your story to
advice@mumsupport.co.za
Disclaimer: All correspondence with Mums Support Network is completely confidential except in the following remarkable circumstances: We are legally obligated to break confidentiality if you may be an immediate danger to yourself or others. We reserve the right to disclose confidential information in legal proceedings brought against Mums Support Network. Mums Support Network members are not licensed health care providers or therapists and do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or therapy. By continuing correspondence with Mums Support Network, you recognize that you are responsible for your own health including, but not limited to, mental or physical illness, medication, and consultation with health professionals. Stories may be shared with other members of our management team in order to provide the best advice possible. Stories and responses may be published on the website but will remain anonymous.
Testimonials
From the moment I walked through the door of the Mums Support Group meeting I felt supported and heard. I no longer felt alone. I had several hands reaching out to me, like a lifeline in a rough sea.
Get In Touch
General Enquiries
M: 083 788 0689
E: alexandra@mumsupport.co.za
Guest Speaker Enquiries
E: hayls@mumsupport.co.za