Motherhood is often painted as a picture-perfect journey filled with joy, cuddles, and Instagram-worthy moments. But what happens when reality hits, and the sleepless nights, endless responsibilities, and overwhelming loneliness take over? For many mums, the dream of motherhood quickly turns into a nightmare of isolation and exhaustion. This is where Mother Circles come in – a support system for mums that’s changing the lives of mums worldwide.

I recently had the privilege of being a guest on UK Health Radio’s Alchemy 1.01, where I shared my journey from being a burnt-out lawyer to founding Mother for Life and creating a community of women determined to improve the support mums receive. It’s a powerful conversation about the realities of motherhood, the importance of community, and why every mum deserves a compassionate space to be seen, heard, and supported.

As someone who’s been through the trenches of motherhood, I know first-hand how tough it can be. I was once a successful lawyer, juggling a demanding career and raising two children. The constant pressure to “have it all” left me drained and questioning whether I was doing enough. That’s why, a decade ago, I left my legal career behind and founded Mother for Life. I was determined to give mums spaces to  come together, share their struggles, and find the support they desperately need. I was a lonely new mum and I don’t want that for anyone else.

The Loneliness of Motherhood

Let’s get real for a moment. Motherhood can be incredibly lonely. Despite the societal image of mums sipping coffee with friends while their babies nap peacefully, the reality is far from it. Many mums find themselves isolated, exhausted, and questioning their abilities. I experienced this myself when I battled postnatal depression. The loneliness was crushing, and I felt like I was the only one struggling.

But here’s the truth: you’re not alone. More and more women are speaking out about the challenges of motherhood, and it’s time we normalise these conversations. The lack of sleep, the constant worry, and the pressure to be the “perfect mum” can take a toll on your mental and physical health. In fact, studies show that the broken sleep is equivalent to being above the legal alcohol limit in terms of cognitive impairment. Yet, we expect mums to raise the next generation in this state, often with little to no support for mums.

A Final Word

Motherhood is often painted as picture-perfect, but the reality of sleepless nights and loneliness can make it isolating and exhausting. That’s why I founded Mother Circles – a support system for mums that’s changing lives worldwide. As a former burnt-out lawyer and mum who battled postnatal depression, I created Mother for Life to give mums a safe space to connect, share, and find support. On UK Health Radio’s Alchemy 1.01, I shared my journey and the power of community in helping mums feel seen and valued.

Motherhood doesn’t have to be lonely. Whether you’re a new mum, a mum of teens, or an empty nester, Mother Circles are here for you. Find out more about my Circles here: Mandy’s Circles. Together, we can change the narrative of motherhood, one circle at a time.