Mom Movement connects Lakes Region mothers for mutual support

LACONIA — Arion Papavlo Salway gave birth to her first child seven months ago, and became a full-time mom, which was a big change after working a job that sometimes hit 70 hours per week. Struggling with feeling isolated, and only a few other friends who were mothers to connect with, she started to ponder if this was an issue others were experiencing. It turns out they were, and The Mom Movement was born.

“I saw a lot of moms struggling with maternal mental health who wanted a connection,” Salway said. “I wanted a place where moms are seen, supported, and know they aren’t alone.”

Salway recently moved to Meredith, but grew up in the City of Laconia, where she spent 26 years. She created The Mom Movement in April, and their first event was April 27, where the group met up at Laconia Middle School, and took a walk down the WOW Trail.

Mothers of all ages showed up with their children, some as young as a week old, and others as old as 8 or 9. Salway said the majority had one child, but some had two or three children with them, including a set of twins.

“It was nice to see such a diverse group in the first event,” Salway said. “Now, we have other ideas of community walks, beach trips, going to museums. The warmer months are coming up, so we can plan all sorts of stuff outside.”

What started as a simple idea of getting mothers together for a walking group became a “thriving network” of more than 100 women reaching out to her about how they can support one another.

“The first event was a huge hit, and we had about 70 families joining us for a walk,” Salway said. “It has been amazing, and I’m excited to see where this goes.”

Salway said it was never her plan to stay home with her children, but since her daughter Eleanor was born, she simply needed a way to get out and be active. She started to think about ways she could not only get out of the house, but to also make connections and friendships with other likeminded mothers.

These aren’t just new mothers either; some have had children who are now in college or grown up, and are craving a connection with other women.

“They reached out to me to ask if this is for them, and I told them it’s for everyone,” Salway said. “Motherhood isn’t meant to be faced alone. I want mothers to be able to build their communities.”

Currently, walks are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Mondays and Saturdays, walking about a mile of the WOW Trail. Other ideas include meeting at spots like Ellacoya State Park, in Gilford, on Lake Winnipesaukee, as well as Bristol’s Wellington Beach, on Newfound Lake.

“Those are good spots to bring young children.”

Salway has been talking with her husband, Dedric, about ideas, saying he's been extremely supportive and offered his insight. They discussed organizing a 5K, and she has ideas to raise funds to donate to the cause of maternal mental health.

“Right now, it’s just the beginning,” Salway said. “I am still trying to get the word out, but those who have shown up have helped me hit the ground running with this. It’s been amazing.”

Salway said some people suggested evening walks, to include more working mothers. Other moms have offered alternative walking areas, and ideas for different activities.

One minor obstacle is parking. Their first meeting took place during school vacation week, so Laconia Middle School didn’t have students, and the parking lot was empty. Salway has been in contact with the Laconia Police Department, who she said has been helpful with ideas of how they can help with crossing roads.

“Laconia Police has reached out to us, and thought it was great about rallying the moms,” Salway said. “With this many people, some who had kids on bikes and scooters, their support really helps."

While the idea started with only moms in mind, Salway said the Saturday morning walks are being advertised as a family stroll.

“I have ideas of the whole family joining,” Salway said. “It really is for everyone. I met a couple single fathers who don’t have a typical work schedule, and they asked if it was OK to join. Everyone is welcome.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with The Mom Movement can visit facebook.com/groups/27434482729476856, or contact Salway at arionpapavlo@gmail.com or 603-455-1952.