Spotlight: Gemma and The MotherFlock

Gemma Van Slyke

Being a mom of two, I’ve been fortunate to have the experience of having babies in two different countries at opposite ends of the globe. Second time around, being a little more experienced (yet feeling just as clueless!), I was shocked at the lack of postpartum support for mothers in Vancouver & the Lower Mainland.

Juggling a newborn and a toddler (which as some of us know, is a whole other challenge!), coupled with what can only be described as undiagnosed postpartum depression, I was overwhelmed, depleted, and living in complete survival mode. I really felt like there was such a huge disconnect in community support, and that moms deserved more.

What started as a little idea to create one group to help moms feel a little more connected during postpartum, has turned into quite the movement. It turns out, it’s not just me feeling this way. I created The MotherFlock to bring moms together, ditch the guilt, normalize the challenges, and help moms feel more informed, empowered, and connected.

Whether through postpartum groups, a refreshingly honest blog, connection to resources, or a blossoming community that helps moms stay connected and social during their first year (& beyond) of motherhood, my mission is simple: it’s time to get our pink back!

Why do you think there is such a need for this program?

I think it starts with the lack of education on the postpartum experience and matrescence. Postpartum does not discriminate, and it really blindsides a lot of us. The sleep deprivation, physical depletion, the pressures (what we call the “shoulds of motherhood”), the identity shift… it’s a really intense period that impacts us all in different ways.

And it’s not just for 6 weeks. You get your sign-off from your midwives clinic after your 6 week check up, and then left to your own devices. And the thing is, there’s lots of support out there. It really blew my mind that there was nothing that fills this gap. And even if the adjustment to motherhood is going well for you, it’s a pretty isolating time.

In a time and system where community and “the village” is a little harder to come by, we’re trying to step in to help moms to build their little village. Having other moms around you that are in a similar season, and are experiencing the same (or different!) challenges, joys, growth, and setbacks, is so validating and empowering. Knowing you’re not the only one going through this is a game-changer.

What makes your groups different?

I think there’s often a misconception that this is just another moms meet up. It takes a lot of energy and effort to put yourself out there and connect with moms at your local music class or coffee shop. As an introvert, putting myself out there when I was sleep-deprived, was the last thing I wanted to do. That’s the beauty of this group: A set group of moms who you see every week, who are in the same season, and who are all there for the same reasons… to make friends.

We set you up in a whatsapp group so you can build on this connection outside of the sessions. Hundred of hours have been poured into the curriculum of the sessions… the content and facilitation is very intentional, and allows you to dive into topics that you wouldn’t normally discuss with moms at your local babytime. This allows you to get to know each other quicker than you would otherwise.

But it’s also so much more than that the 5-6 sessions. We encourage your meet ups to continue. Some of our past groups have even booked mom & baby weekends away where they’ve taken turns to watch each others’ babies, while the others hot tub, or make each other delicious meals with paired cocktails. How magical is that?! Postpartum is such a unique, vulnerable, and intense period, and I truly believe that the connections you can make during this season can really change your postpartum experience, and make you friends for life!

How has the MotherFlock grown?

Being a stay-at-home mom with my kids, I really just saw this as one group session, and maybe some occasional walks. But it’s grown into something so much more. It’s been really validating for me, because it’s become really clear that this is something that is much needed. That it wasn’t just me feeling this way.

We now run 7 groups at a time across the Lower Mainland, as well as recently adding a 4-8 and 8-12 month group in Vancouver. We started running social events to help support these connections, and provide moms with a bit of a social life during their maternity. This has recently turned into a thriving membership community, where we have 32 volunteer moms running events such as walks, Brunch Club, brewery meet ups, nights out, and hikes, as well as an active and engaged whatsapp community.

Everything we’ve put out there has been the result of community need, and I think that’s what makes it special: a genuine need and want to support moms to build their community, prioritize their wellness, navigate the identity shift, and thrive during motherhood. Because we’re not meant to do this alone…

Fast becoming Vancouver & the Lower Mainland’s must-have experience for new moms, our 5/6 week long postpartum group is the baby group with a difference: it’s all about Mom. A chance for you to relax, find community, share experiences, learn about resources & self-care tips, and build friendships.

Essentially, come out with your own little mom tribe, feeling empowered, and ready to rock this whole mom thing!

Our 1-4 month postpartum group:

• “Gather” is for brand-new moms in the thick of survival mode who want to feel heard, understood, and less alone as they recover, recalibrate, and want to start building their village.
• Topic examples: Birth stories, matrescence, mental health
• Time: Mondays 10:00 - 11:00am
• For Moms of January 2026 - April 2026 Babies: Monday May 4, 25th, June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd (6 weeks)

Our 4-12 month postpartum group:

• “Grow & Thrive” is for moms who are finding their footing and ready to build confidence, routines, and relationships while navigating the real-life stuff like the mental load, ‘power pauses’, and finding themselves amongst all of it.
• Topic examples: Matrescence, unicorn Spaces, the mental load
• Time: Mondays 11:30am - 12:30pm
• Dates: Monday May 4, 25th, June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd (6 weeks)

Registration opens April 1st