The Motherless Mothers

Although The Motherless Mothers is not a small business, I felt it was important to feature this incredible charity and global community because of the vital support it provides to women around the world. Founded by two incredible women - Lou and Adina, The Motherless Mothers charity supports women who are navigating motherhood without their own mothers due to loss, estrangement, illness, or dementia. This community holds a special place in my heart as I am a motherless mother myself. Enjoy!💜

Tell us about your journey from the idea to actually launching The Motherless Mothers?

We met in a closed Facebook group for motherless daughters in June 2024 after Lou had her first son and struggled in the immediate postnatal period. She posted a message asking if anyone knew of any support available for new mums without a mum. Tumbleweed moment! But Adina was the light and responded to say she would be up for hosting something and did I want to chat (she was already writing a book and doing research into mother loss, so I knew she was a good egg!) 

We got on a call and discussed support groups and the gaps we felt as mums to children of different ages (Adina has x2 teens and lost her mum when she was a baby; I have a 2 year old and lost my mum at 20 - both to bereavement but we knew we needed to include all types of loss).

This has very quickly grown and become a whole movement, charity, community and an extremely engaged group of women always looking for the next thing to find their community/person in this lonely side of parenthood. 

What's been your biggest achievement since starting The Motherless Mothers?

The very first Mother Loss Awareness Day 2025 in the Houses of Parliament. Over 60 women gatherred; we shared our inaugural research in collaboration with a huge mum and baby app and it felt really big. The atmosphere in the room was so poignant, so real and so emotional. For many, it was the first time they had sat with other women who are mothering without a mum. It was very special. Bring on this year's!

What inspired you to start The Motherless Mothers?

We wanted to fill the gap that existed for us that no one had filled before. No midwife knew where to send me (Lou), so we wanted to change this experience for every single mum who is walking this path. It's not meant to be done alone.

What does the future look like?

More in-person connection; more workplace talks and better visibility for this at work (and support for employees and line managers to retain staff who are grieving their mums); summits, retreats, rent a granny service ( we would love to do this and make maternal support available for women who simply dont have it ), a book, more podcast guests, celebrity ambassadors, merchandise. We believe in this so much!

What message would you like to send to our community?

The start is the hardest. These last two years have been a real uphill battle as we juggle jobs, childcare, teenagers, all the challenges of life and all without our mums. We are doing so many things for the first time, and it feels really tough some days. But we know it will never be this hard again - hang in there early charity builders!!! Also, everything we do at the moment is voluntary so that can put a bit more pressure on things.

Follow them here: @themotherlessmothersuk