News

PRESS RELEASE: Now London Mums have their say (17 October, 2007)

New website created to support mothers and mumpreneurs based in London

London, UK - 17thOctober, 2007 - A new website www.londonmums.org.uk has been launched today by London Mums, the only free and independent peer support group for mums based in London, to help thousands of mothers to make the most of the multicultural metropolis, which sometimes can be isolating. The group was formed in September 2006 by mothers who regularly met at the local breastfeeding cafe' in South West London with their young babies. The website is an information resource created with input from mums and aims to facilitate mums getting together, face-to-face to chat and direct support. Mums can post their queries and add messages as well as contact other mothers through the website. Registering is free and easily done by sending an email to the central team. This entitles members to receive monthly newsletters and weekly updates and take advantage of special discounts with the local businesses. The group counts 200 members and is currently growing at a rate of 10 per week. A number of dads and other people caring for young children are also involved.

Kirstie Reed, Founder of Bambinos Active, commented: "Motherhood should be a magical and enjoyable experience. Sometimes, however, the huge life change can feel quite isolating. Monica Costa has formed a group even the busiest mums can be a part of allowing a social network of like-minded people in similar circumstances." She added: "The face to face approach of London Mums make this peer group unique. Whilst the website suits the needs of the busy mums wishing to catch up on the latest tips and recommendations posted by other mums, the regular activities and events organised by Monica offers a chance to socialise and enjoy being a mum with other mums! London mums is already a fast growing peer group, but Monica's dedication to the group means that, however big it gets, the personal touch will always exist."

The website provides practical mum-to-mum tips as well as advice from selected experts on family nutrition, baby routine, breastfeeding, toddler entertainment and on anything and everything to do with being a parent.

Award-winning expert Melody Mackeown, a Foresight Practitioner and Nutritional Therapist, founder of the Natural Nutrition company, said: "The London Mums' group is a great support network for families with young children. My articles in the 'What the experts say' section will provide information on general issues such as how to boost your energy, children's health as well as pre-conceptual care, pregnancy and post-natal health (for both mother and baby) which are essential elements for a happy family."

Londonmums.org.uk has a forum for mumpreneurs, a group of modern entrepreneurial women who have started their own business while full-time childminding their babies. This is often due to the lack of and cost of childcare in London, which is a major barrier to women's employment.

Maja Pawinska Sims runs The Mother Mentor, a life coaching programme for new mums. She said: "Mothers often find it enormously difficult to make the 'right' decisions about working and childcare, and being your own boss can be a great way of balancing your needs with the needs of your family. It's still hard work being a mum and an entrepreneur, though, and the forum is a great place to share the challenges and the triumphs of juggling a business and a baby."

According to Monica Costa, founder of London Mums, "I truly believe in the ability of women to be able to run their own business while multitasking and looking after their children. London Mums don't often have close family support." She added: "Our business forum aims to find opportunities for mums to cross sell their products and services while supporting them in motherly life."

London Mums also support all lone parents, who according to the capitalwoman report 2007, is expected to increase by 34 per cent to reach 1.4 million by 2026, with most of the increase being among non-married women living alone.

London Mums are passionate believers in mothers' and childrens' rights, and support various charitable initiatives through the website and regular newsletters. London Mums have recently been involved in offline campaigns, on issues such as raising awareness of breastfeeding in public in London.

Interesting facts extracted from the survey conducted by the Greater London Authority called 'Women in London - capitalwoman 2007' published in March 2007

Women make up 51 per cent of London's adult population and by 2026 this number is likely to increase by 12.6 per cent, to reach over 3.5 million adult women. The employment rate of women with children is much lower in London than in the rest of the UK. In 2005, 54 per cent of women with dependent children in London were in employment, compared with 68 per cent in the rest of the UK. The availability and cost of childcare in London is a major barrier to women's employment. The amount of provision for under fives in London is lower than the national average. Day nurseries and childminders provide 24.5 places per 100 children aged under five in London, compared with the England average of 31.4 places per 100. Daycare costs in London are around 25 per cent higher than the average in England.