Mama's Hip is a parent's and/or caregiver's staple for natural and attachment parenting needs in Louisville. The community center's location is directly in the Highlands on bustling Bardstown Road and has changed a lot since it first opened its doors six years ago.
Mama's Hip began as a true retail site for parents who are looking for more natural and attachment parenting needs. It has essentially evolved into a community center; in fact, that is how it is described on their Facebook page. Since the beginning, Mama's Hip has kept with the community aspect. At the end of December 2014, owner Shannon Stone Porter decided to stretch the comfort zones of everything that Mama's Hip was and had grown to be and created a community forum online. Mama's Hip abandoned the Facebook groups model and went to this safer, more conversationally driven forum style. Membership on the site requires registration and a monthly fee of three dollars. See more about it here; on the website, you can read about the Mamas behind Mama's Hip. You can join in on many forum topics with categories such as:
Around Town
Community Resources
For the Littles
Just for Mamas
Just for Papas
Mama Swap and Shop
My Family
Our Story
Wellness
FAQ
In true inclusive form, Mama's Hip does not want to exclude any mama, papa or parent who wants to join the community, so they do have free options available; just message owner Shannon, call Mama's Hip or drop in for a visit and a chat about it. Many mamas are wiling to pay for other mamas to become members. It is truly a "village."
As the group began the transition away from the Facebook group, Shannon Stone Porter left a message, "Join us as we grow our community of online support! Join the community – Be part of the safe, private, moderated community to find support, share your story, and rebuild the village. Connect with others – Meet other families through playgroups, classes, meetings, special events, family outings, and much more. Find the resources – Find the resources you need and get the recommendations you want from the mamas who are better than Google. Feather your nest – Gain access to exclusive deals and discounts, swaps and co-ops, and other exclusive member benefits to help you track down the things you want, need, wear and read. Let’s make a world of difference for the mamas in our community!"
The events and opportunities for learning and meet-ups and building relationships are endless at Mama's Hip. For instance, check out these events for this weekend and beyond (some programs are free and some have a drop in rate):
Saturday, January 31
Toddler Yoga 10:30am
Crafternoon 1pm
Wednesday, February 4, 10:30am
Family Music Jam
Friday, February 6, 5:30-7pm
Gather: Friday Family Play
Saturday, February 7, 11:30am – 3:00pm
Love Fest - A Heartfelt Bazaar and Craftaganza
Various Playgroups, Siblings Groups, New Mamas Groups, Working Mama Groups, Monthly Storytime, HypnoBirthing Classes, Attachment Parenting International meetings, La Leche League meetings, books and diaper swaps, mama's nights out, and more. Check the Mama's Hip Facebook Events tab to find more.
Get connected, ask questions, find new friends:
Mama's Hip on Facebook
Mama's Hip Community Forum
Mama to Mama-a non-profit organization working to increase social support for all mothers in an effort to ease the transition to motherhood and promote healthy parenting practices that are sustainable for families, our community and environment.
Mama to Mama on Facebook
Mama to Mama on Twitter
Rebecca Foundation's Cloth Diaper Closet - a partnership with Mama's Hip, this is the local Louisville chapter that helps in providing cloth diapers at no cost to families in need in our area.
Mama's Hip is located at 1559 Bardstown Road; 502-384-8805
Photos courtesy of Mama's Hip website and Facebook page
