DANCING FOR A MUMS GONE WILD!

Sleepless nights, baby wipes...and bass drops? Meet the Tauranga women redefining parental support

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When someone says “rave”, it’s not likely you’ll conjure up a bunch of tired mothers of small children getting down on the dancefloor. But a group of high-profile Kiwi women has decided that’s exactly what’s needed.

Larissa Allen, Rachel Taane and Jo Cummins all know from experience that while motherhood’s a beautiful time in a woman’s life, for many, it can also be the most isolating. Sleepless nights and the loss of your old self can leave even the strongest women feeling like they’re floating out in space.

Each has struggled through the early years of parenting, which is why all three are now joining forces to help other mums through a Tauranga-based initiative called The Village.

Founded to support mothers through the crucial first 1000 days, from pregnancy to toddlerhood, The Village provides a safe place to be honest about parenting. Its latest project, MumRaves, is taking that one step further by offering mothers a space to let go and move their bodies, while meeting others going through similar challenges.

“We’re reminding them they’re still allowed to have fun,” says Larissa, 34, who juggles her role as The Village’s communications manager with being an actress and mum. “We spend so much time holding everyone else together. These are our way of giving back something that fills mums up again.”

When Larissa had her son Carter, now seven, she was surprised by how quickly her confidence wavered.

“Everyone says it takes a village, but most of us don’t have one “You're suddenly responsible for this tiny person and you're meant to love every second, but it can be incredibly lonely. I remember feeling I was doing it all wrong, even though I was trying so hard.”