Every week, our community of mamas receive one question in their inbox.

The answers aren’t advice, they’re lived experiences. Honest reflections from women navigating motherhood in all its beauty, complexity and contradiction.

This week we asked: What does support look like for you in this season of motherhood?

The responses below have been shared by members of the Pass It On Mamas community. Some are anonymous, some are signed. Together, they become part of our growing archive of maternal wisdom.

“Support in this season looks like being reminded that you don’t have to do it all alone. It’s someone dropping off a coffee because they know you’ve probably been up half the night, or bringing over a cooked meal so you don’t have to think about what’s for dinner. It’s someone holding the baby while you shower, entertaining your toddler while you have five quiet minutes, or simply sitting beside you on the hard days without judgement. Sometimes support is practical, and sometimes it’s just someone checking in and genuinely asking, “How are you?” It’s understanding that motherhood can feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people, and offering help without expecting anything in return.” 

– Anonymous

“Being seen and the invisible work done everyday being noticed. I feel truly supported when someone (whether it be a friend, my husband or a stranger) genuinely reminds me that I am doing a good job. We’re all just doing the best with the information/experience we have and it’s really beautiful when someone acknowledges that.”

– Laura, Brisbane, mother of 1

“I am a mother-less mother and to fill some that void of “the only person who can give a mother real rest is her own mother”… I have an ecosystem of support. Some paid, but largely it’s filled with other mamas riding the waves alongside me. We co-mother together while our children play. We cook meals together, drop them to each other and we send voice notes pouring our hearts into the space between naps and the relentless demand of tiny humans that bring us so much joy and grief at the same time. I might not have my own mother but I’ve collected the very best mothers I know for my support team.”

– Anonymous

“Trying to help my daughter in-laws in any way without over stepping boundaries.”

– Kath, Port Macquarie, grandmother 

“I am in the season of mothering our mother in her old age. Support means being seen and acknowledged as the emerging matriach of the family. It means navigating old family dynamics while redefining that role and identity shaped by my own person, story and history, integrity, experience and own wisdom; honoring wisdom and tradition of the past while facing the challenges of today. Support primarily comes from within, through acceptance, clarity, balance, deep faith and trust,wisdom, and allowing. Support comes women and men of the family who see what I am doing.”

– Anonymous

“Mothers have different point of views when it comes to support, depending on the level of their status. Yet, every support no matter what it is, for every mother, that means a lot for them.”

– Ma. Theresa Ona, mother of adult children

“Just even being able to commiserate with someone about the state of the world; financial concerns; family concerns. Don’t have to share in full detail, but just knowing that we’re all trying our best to make it work.”

– Anonymous

“During this season of motherhood, support to me looks like showing up as your honest, authentic self. Being genuine and true about how you are means there is little time spent on surface level conversation and more time spent on meaningful connection. Support is not doing motherhood alone and being able to share all the ups and downs together honestly, no matter how messy and raw it can be!”

– Jamie, Port Macquarie, mother of 2

“Don’t be afraid to set boundaries, and discipline is important too, balanced out with kindness and love.”

– Kath, Port Macquarie, grandmother

Pass It On Mamas exists to preserve, honour and share maternal wisdom of mothers from all seasons.