The Journey to M.A.M.A.S.: A Community of Support for Grieving Mothers
- Brylea Gibson
- Jan 26
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 30
Grief is a journey like no other. It’s personal, it’s painful, and it often feels like it’s something you have to face alone. For me, grief was a winding path that led to a realization: I wasn’t alone in this. There were countless other mothers who felt the same overwhelming sadness, the same deep ache in their hearts. I knew there were other mamas out there who understood my pain—mothers who had experienced the heart-wrenching loss of their baby and were searching for a sense of healing, hope, and connection.
From the moment I first felt the call to do something with my grief, it was clear to me that I wasn’t just experiencing this loss for myself—I was meant to help others along the way. I felt as if I was being guided toward something bigger. But knowing that others shared this grief didn’t make the desire to do more any easier to act on. I didn’t know where to start, how to begin, or even what exactly it would look like. But I couldn’t ignore the urge any longer.
It was a conversation with my husband that pushed me to take the first step. One evening, I found myself pouring my heart out about wanting to do something—anything—to help grieving mothers like me. I told him how strongly I felt that there was more I could do with my grief. He listened patiently, but then he said something that changed everything: "Stop talking about it and just do it."
Those words hit me like a lightning bolt. He was right. I had talked about it for so long, and now it was time to take action. It was time to stop wondering and start creating something real, something tangible. That’s when I decided to start a support group on Facebook. I thought it would be small—just a handful of women, maybe ten at most, who could come together to share their stories and support one another. I imagined posting once a week, maybe twice, and hoping that those who joined the group would find comfort in knowing they weren’t alone.
The next morning, I woke up to something completely unexpected. The group had grown to over 50 members overnight—50 mothers, each with their own heartbreaking story of loss. I was shocked, overwhelmed, and most of all, incredibly thankful. I realized that I wasn’t just creating a group; I was starting to build a community, one where other grieving mothers could find solace, understanding, and a shared sense of healing.
The response was more than I had ever imagined, and I quickly realized that M.A.M.A.S. (Moms After Miscarriage Advocacy and Support) was becoming something much larger than I ever thought possible. The ideas I had swirling in my mind began to take shape. I wanted to do more. I wanted to reach more people, help more women, and provide even more resources for those grieving. Within just two weeks, we had a logo, T-shirts, brochures, and even our first podcast appearance. We began forming partnerships with other organizations and individuals who were passionate about the cause. M.A.M.A.S. was growing, and it was growing fast.
And that’s when I met Kayla.
Kayla had seen my posts in local mom Facebook groups and reached out. I could tell immediately that she had a heart for this mission, and it didn’t take long for us to start working closely together. We laughed about how quickly we grew close, but we both knew we had found something special. Together, Kayla and I worked tirelessly to move the organization forward. We were able to take M.A.M.A.S. from a small Facebook group to an official nonprofit in record time. Our first event came together quickly, and it was a beautiful reminder of why we had started this journey—to support grieving mothers, to honor the memory of their babies, and to create a community of love and hope.
But as we began to look ahead to 2025, we realized that we needed more hands to help. Kayla was returning to her full-time job, and the reality was that I couldn’t do everything on my own anymore. The work was growing, the need was growing, and I knew we had to expand our team if we were going to continue our mission and provide support to even more mothers.
I had known Lexie from before, and when she lost her precious baby girl, Lenora, I reached out to her. I didn’t want to rush her, but I just let her know that I was here for her when she was ready. To my surprise, she eventually reached out and expressed interest in helping with M.A.M.A.S. I knew right away that Lexie would be an incredible addition to our team. Her strength and resilience in the face of her own loss would serve as an inspiration to so many others.
Next, I thought of Bobbi. I had helped her through her own painful journey with multiple miscarriages, and she had always been a supportive friend. She knew my story, and I knew hers. I reached out to her, and once again, she expressed interest in joining us. Bobbi’s compassion and firsthand understanding of grief made her an essential part of our growing team.

Even with Lexie and Bobbi on board, we still needed more help. That’s when Susan reached out. After speaking with her, I knew right away that she was the perfect fit. Her passion for helping others and her understanding of grief was exactly what we needed. Together, we formed the dream team—five women, each with a unique story, but all united by the desire to help other grieving mothers find healing and support.
M.A.M.A.S. is now a full-fledged 24/7 operation. We all step up where we’re needed, balancing our personal lives with the work of supporting grieving mamas. Each of us brings something unique to the table, and it’s this diversity of experience and expertise that allows us to serve so many.
We offer a variety of services to ensure that grieving mothers have the support they need, when they need it most. Our services include:
24/7 On-call support: Whether it's the middle of the night or during the day, we are always available to provide emotional support to grieving mothers.
Hospital visits: We offer compassionate hospital visits to provide comfort and guidance during one of the most difficult times.
Birthday and passing photography: We understand the importance of preserving memories, and we offer bereavement photography to help mothers cherish the moments they have with their babies.
Monthly support groups: Our monthly support groups provide a safe space for mothers to share their stories, find comfort, and build connections with others who understand their pain.
Support baskets: We offer care packages filled with comfort items and resources to help grieving mothers navigate their grief journey.
Cremation services: We provide guidance and support with cremation services, ensuring that mothers have everything they need to honor their babies.
We host monthly events, and our upcoming Spring Fling event is going to be a huge celebration of our growth and the amazing work we’re doing. But behind the scenes, there is so much more happening. We’re constantly planning new initiatives, brainstorming ways to help mothers through their grief, and looking for ways to make an even bigger impact.
People often tell us how much we’ve accomplished in such a short time, and honestly, I’m amazed too. But this is only the beginning. We are just getting started. Every day I am inspired by the strength and dedication of the women I work with—Kayla, Lexie, Bobbi, and Susan. Each one of them has a story of loss that fuels their passion to help others, and it’s their commitment to this cause that drives me to do even more.
M.A.M.A.S. was born out of grief, but it has become a place of hope, connection, and healing. It’s a space where mothers who have experienced the unimaginable can come together, share their stories, and know that they are never alone. It’s a community where love and support are freely given, where strength is shared, and where healing is possible.
If you are a mama who has experienced the loss of a baby, know that M.A.M.A.S. is here for you. You are not alone in your grief, and we are here to walk with you every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to supporting you, listening to you, and helping you find healing in your own time and in your own way.
The journey of grief is a long one, but we are committed to being here for you through it all. M.A.M.A.S. is a family—a family built on love, compassion, and the shared experience of loss. We are here for you now and always. Together, we will continue to grow, heal, and make a difference in the lives of grieving mothers everywhere.
Stay tuned for the many exciting things ahead—we’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Join us for our in-person connect events, where you can meet and bond with fellow mamas who truly understand your journey—your joys, struggles, and losses. Each month, we’ll gather in a different place with a new activity, creating a warm and supportive space to share, heal, and grow together.
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