Nicosia, Cyprus. Daniella Georgiou has launched Mum Support Groups in Cyprus to provide organised spaces for expectant and new mothers to discuss emotional wellbeing and early motherhood. The initiative began in September 2024 and has reached more than 160 women.
Programme created to address emotional isolation
Motherhood is often described as joyful, transformative and fulfilling, but feelings of isolation can persist even for women with family and support, according to reports from many new mothers in Cyprus. Georgiou said the emotional shift after birth is often harder than expected and that there are limited organised spaces for open discussion.
“That gap” led Georgiou, a mother of two, to establish Mum Support Groups as a community-led initiative supporting women through pregnancy and early motherhood.
“The message was very clear,” Georgiou said. “Mums need a space to talk, to gather, and to hear real, honest advice.”
Structure and session themes
The groups run in structured five-week cycles, with the same small group of mothers meeting once a week. Sessions are held both online and in person to allow flexibility based on schedules and circumstances.
Each meeting focuses on a different aspect of motherhood, including emotional health, personal identity, feeding, relationships and the transition back to work. Meetings are designed as guided conversations to encourage participants to share experiences and support one another.
“It’s not a lecture,” Georgiou said, adding that mothers can also join individual sessions they find most relevant.
Health professionals involved
More than 55 health professionals, including midwives, pediatricians, psychologists and lactation consultants, participate in the programme by offering advice and answering questions in a less formal setting.
Georgiou said that for many women, the opportunity to connect with other mothers has been among the most valuable parts of the programme.
What kind of support would you want most during pregnancy or the first months after birth?