10 years of Life With A Baby programming

Thursday, March 15, 2018 10:45 PM | Claire (Administrator)

The Life With A Baby program has been operating for 10 years. An entire decade of evidence-based programming to support new and expectant mothers.

I am absolutely humbled and proud of what Life With A Baby has become. When I first had the idea of the program after my own challenges with adjusting to becoming a mom I had no idea what to expect. Honestly, I was just looking for something that would ease my own loneliness, isolation, fears, and anxieties of being a new mom.

Luckily, there were other moms who felt the same way and were just as passionate about helping and supporting other new mothers and we came together to create something amazing. I am blown away. At last count, there are 500 volunteers! 500!!!

We've had over 35,000 attendees out to events across the province and this year we are national! That’s right! There is a LWAB chapter in all but 2 provinces in Canada! With PEI & Quebec launching this year.

Life With A Baby now has 49 Communities, 420,000 users, and over 950,000 website visitors, over the last 10 years. You can pictures from some of our larger events on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lifewithababy

Peer support is something all new moms should have and that’s why I’m so happy to see community ambassadors who are making a positive change.

In 2018 I’m challenging YOU to get involved! There are many ways to get involved reach out to us at info@lifewithababy.com. We’d love to hear from you.

Pictured above are some of our 2017 community managers

Moms just like you and me have taken the initiative to do something to help other mothers and babies. I call these moms superheroes because they are fighting for moms and helping in the prevention of postpartum depression.

Our community is wonderful! And continues to grow – Thank you to our volunteers, chapter managers, community ambassadors, donors, sponsors, and you - our members for being a part of what makes the LWAB community unique and supportive.

LWAB would not be where we are today without the help and support of our amazing volunteers.

So what does a volunteer do? It really is up to you and what you think you can contribute. I know like me you are a busy mom trying to balance it all, so we do not want to add too much to your already full plate. Whatever you can give will be appreciated.

Let’s make LWAB even more amazing!

Here's what Debbi, LWAB member and Volunteer since 2009 has to say about her experience as a volunteer.

I learnt about Life With A Baby through a friend and signed up for my first event completely unsure of what to expect. What I found was a group of women with the same circumstances as myself... a new mom craving 'adult' contact and conversation and unsure of "what to do" with this tiny new life I held in my arms.

It started with my volunteering to host a few social events, then some classes and culminated in my becoming more involved in general organization of events and activities, even though I am now back at work. Thanks to LWAB, I met and still keep in contact with moms in my "Birth Club"; as a group we still get together and will continue to stay in contact for many years as our children grow up together.

I would recommend to any parent of young children to volunteer to host a social event - something simple like a coffee and chat or meet up at one of the many free activities available for babies and young children. In general it's great being able to meet other parents, compare notes and share those special moments with someone who 'gets it'. It makes the parental journey a little less lonely or boring, especially for new moms on maternity leave.

I have had so much fun meeting parents, babies and the other fantastic volunteers. Thank you for the opportunity to volunteer and be apart of an amazing group of people that do so much for others.

If you are interested in helping, please send me an email at info@lifewithababy.com.
Thanks so much!!!

1. Become a LWAB community ambassador by creating a group that you will actively manage by providing resources, hosting social events and workshops. Maybe you already have a group and want to invite more moms to join you. For more info contact info@lifewithababy.com

2. Take our pledge to reduce social isolation and host one event this year. See more info here

3. Join a committee – if interested send an email to claire.zlobin@lifewithababy.com and specify if you are interested in the Event planning committee, the fundraising committee, or the advisory committee.

4. Volunteer with us. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization! We could not do this without the support of our volunteers, to join our volunteer team join the chapter that is closest to you. Don’t see a volunteer group near you? Email us.

ONTARIO

Simcoe Region volunteer group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/609464679242425/

Greater Toronto Area volunteer group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/761916110493007/

Peel Region volunteer group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1863958983915476/

Waterloo Region & Guelph volunteer group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LWABWaterlooGuelphVolunteers/

Ottawa volunteer group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1609802436013009/

New Tecumseth/Tottenham volunteer group