Hello and Welcome to the very first Karmama Community Newsletter: Matrescence in Motion.

Thank you so much for joining our incredible community of mothers across the Central Region of Vancouver Island, BC. I am happy you are here.

Karmama's mission is to empower women throughout their matrescence experience, creating a platform that offers resources, nurtures community and supports positive mental health for women during an exceptionally transformative and challenging time in their life.

During my own pregnancy and postpartum journey, I desperately sought community and support of other women. When I was unable to find a group or community that fit what I was looking for - a one hundred percent focus on Mamas and not another baby group - I set out to create one.

I absolutely CANNOT believe that in just over a year this community has grown to over 300 women who have embraced their vulnerability and attended events throughout the Central Island Area.

Enough about Karmama! You probably would like to know a little bit about this amazing newsletter, right?

Open this email monthly to see what's going on within the Karmama Community and so much more! Explore resources supporting the matrescence experience (and if you aren't familiar, I've got you covered girl!), relatable social media accounts, book recommendation's, juicy podcast episodes, products we love and a sweet section on self-care.

Most importantly - before you read on - this newsletter is for you, and contributions to any category are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated. We are better together! Please email contributions to karmamacommunity@gmail.com

List of upcoming scheduled Karmama Community events:

Mid Island Mindful Mamas is our facebook group (soon to be renamed Karmama Community)

August 3 @ 10am Moorecroft Park Group Walk and Rockinghorse Pub

August 7 @ 10am Little Qualicum Group Walk 

August 14 @ 10am Hemer Prov Park Group Walk

August 17 @ 10am Beers and Babies Fern and Cedar Brewing (group walk)

August 19 @ 330pm Lighthouse Country Group Walk

August 26 @ 11am Buttertubs March Group Walk 

***No-cost yoga will be shared in the group pending location confirmation

Upcoming dates you might want to know about...

RDN and CON swim lesson sign up dates are around the corner -

@ Ravensong in Qualicum - Sign up at 8am on August 13, 2024 (schedule posted the Friday before)

@ City of Nanaimo - Sign up at 6am on August 7, 2024

Book Club - who has time to read? BUT if you do, this is worth every page: (fun fact, reading is good for your nervous system)

Momma Zen – Navigating The Crooked Path of Motherhood by Karen Maezen Miller... Oof. Where to begin? This book literally SAVED me and became the backbone of my approach to parenting with a laid-back attitude full of acceptance. There is a chapter about 'time keeping' and the phrase I have repeated in my head countless times speaks to the benevolent power we have as parents to administer naps. Solid gold.

This book is exquisite and worth gifting to any new Mama or expecting mother in your circle.

So you don't have time to read? How about a podcast while you're on the go.

I found an incredible woman from Australia, Nikki Mccahon started a podcast called "Seasons of Matrescence" and it is worth every minute of listening. Check out this episode about 'finding balance' here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hBZgxzr4HK32XfevdnXHz

You go see her amazing website and free resources here.

I think we are all guilty of a little scrolling, why not shed a tear or two over this authors gorgeous writing, Jess Urlichs. I guarantee it is worth the visit to her page.

@jessurlichs is her IG handle or see more at www.jessicaurlichs.com

Products we love!

In my late postpartum/ transition into my new body, I noticed NONE of my belts fit nicely, and pants were either too big or didn't fit quite right. I wanted a stretchy belt that was cute, comfy and nice looking. I stumbled across Unbelts and have been so pleased since ordering a couple. Check out their belts here: www.unbelts.com

Self Care 411 “If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” - Ru Paul (yaaas queen)

When is the last time you booked a spa service? Do you have a RAVE appointment other Mamas should know about?

I'd like to share a stunning service I was gifted for my baby shower, the 'balancing facial' at Full Circle Esthetics in Qualicum Beach. A Mama owned and operated business, you are in safe hands with Sue working her magic on your face, neck and shoulders. I'm not kidding around when I say her facials are better than sex. You can visit her website here: https://fullcircleesthetics.com/

Well ladies, if you're still with me, and have read to this point, thank you for believing in my dream, for signing up for my first newsletter (ever) and being part of this wonderful community.

Have an amazing month and perhaps I hope to see you in person soon.

Samantha