New space in Vienna: mothers find support and community!

New space in Vienna: mothers find support and community!

A new place of support for mothers is opening in Vienna. The Union Mom Vida has set itself the goal of supporting mothers in challenging life situations, especially those with a migration background and single parents. The opening will take place at the popular café “Jack and the Coffee Bean” at Ungargasse 56, and the first major event will feature Latin American music and stimulating conversations.

The founder and chairwoman, Ludisis Mones Castellanos, not only brings a lot of passion but also personal experience to the initiative. After the birth, she herself experienced postpartum depression and now wants no mother in Vienna to feel alone. “We promote mothers’ mental health through exercise and community,” says Castellanos, emphasizing that the association wants to create an environment in which mothers can support each other.

Diverse offers for mothers

The association offers a wide range of offerings: from dance and yoga workshops in German, English and Spanish to mentoring and peer-to-peer formats that promote exchange among mothers. Particular attention is paid to single parents and women from challenging life situations. The weekly meetings entitled “Salsa, Coffee and Community for Mamas” take place every Wednesday at 4 p.m. - a free dance and networking opportunity for mothers that has already generated a lot of interest.

But why is support so important, especially for mothers with a migrant background? Many of them face unique risk factors that can affect their mental health. According to a publication by the Federal Office of Public Health between 2015 and 2022, studies show that there is a clear connection between living conditions and the occurrence of depression in the peri- and postpartum phase. clic.sfmvb describes that many of these mothers face critical life events that can promote postpartum depression.

Professional support and training

The Mama Vida association is not only a place for exchange, but also a platform for professional support. A special training course for specialists in the field of early childhood will take place on June 27, 2025. Postpartum-depression.ch offers comprehensive training in which professionals learn to recognize symptoms of postpartum depression and to better respond to affected parents. This training is intended for maternity counselors, midwives and other healthcare professionals and is intended to help sustainably promote the mental health of mothers.

Overall, the aim of the association is to offer holistic and affordable support for mothers. Supported by deputy Greta Herdemerten and a dedicated team, Mama Vida will certainly become an important contact point in Vienna for mothers looking for support.