I’m often asked, “How did MomsBloom get started?” Like many nonprofits or causes, MomsBloom developed from a personal experience. When my daughter was born 10 years ago, I ended a successful career so I could stay home with her. With no family and few connections in the area, I immediately felt alone, isolated and very insecure in my new role.

Later, after finding the strength to withdraw from my isolating home environment, I started attending parenting classes and moms groups. It was there that I connected with other moms and discovered the peace of mind I so desperately needed. My new mommy friends provided the nonjudgmental physical and emotional support that I, like all new moms, need during the major transition into parenthood. It became my mission to create a community where mothers could feel supported from the very beginning when bonding with your newborn is so vital.

In 2007, after reading an article in Mothering Magazine, I learned about an organization in Santa Fe, New Mexico called, Many Mothers that provided in-home support to mothers with a newborn. Through a grant they were able to develop a manual to help other communities start similar programs. Angie Walters, a dear friend I met through a moms group, joined me. The founder and director of Many Mothers, also connected us with Alice Christensen, a Lactation Consultant at St. Mary’s Hospital, who had also expressed an interest in the program.

The three of us became the founding mothers of MomsBloom. Since then we have adapted and grown to meet the needs of the Grand Rapids community and surrounding areas.  We will continue to raise awareness of the importance of physical and emotional support for families, advocate for moms and dads and fight hard to end the stigma related to perinatal mood disorders. All families need the support of the community to get off to a great start.

We are eternally grateful for the many families, volunteers, financial supporters, and first board members that believed in our mission from the very beginning. This “founding family” provided us with a nurturing environment that gave us the confidence to follow our dream.