Have you ever felt lonely in a season where you actually had people around you?

I know I have.

After having my fourth child, I found myself feeling incredibly overwhelmed. I had people in my life, but I realized I wasn't truly letting them in. I wasn't being honest about what was hard, where I was struggling, or what I really needed. After experiencing a panic attack, I found myself in counseling and on a journey toward finding deeper, more meaningful connections.

In this week’s Coffee with Heather mentor series, I want to talk about community in motherhood because I know how hard it can be. As moms, we are constantly pouring out—meeting our kids' needs, managing schedules, and caring for everyone around us. Sometimes friendship gets pushed to the side because we simply don't have the energy left.

But the truth is, we were never meant to do motherhood alone.

In this conversation, I share:

Why making and maintaining friendships can feel so difficult as a mom.
How we can unintentionally keep people at a distance.
The insecurity that can come when we see groups of moms who already seem connected.
How vulnerability helps us move from surface-level relationships into real connection, and how to practically do that.
Practical ways to start building community, even in a busy season.

I also share an interview with Jada Edwards about the importance of remembering that our kids don't need a perfect mom—they need the mom God created us to be. We can trust Him with the gaps and allow Him to bring people into our lives who can speak truth, love, and encouragement into our children.

God often provides a village in ways we don't expect. Sometimes we just have to be willing to ask Him to show us who those people are and take the first step toward connection.

Connect with Melanie Shankle:

Website: Big Mama – the big mama blog
Facebook: Melanie Shankle -The Big Mama Blog

Connect with Jada Edwards:

Website: Jada Edwards
Instagram: Jada A Edwards (@jada_edwards)

Links Mentioned:

Related Episodes:

Featured Sponsors:

Branch Basics: And here’s the good news—Branch Basics is now available everywhere you shop: at Target, Target.com, Amazon, and of course, BranchBasics.com. Tossing the toxins has never been more convenient! For anyone grabbing the Premium Starter Kit, you can still get 15% off at BranchBasics.com with our code [DMA]. The Premium Starter Kit comes with The Concentrate, and refillable bottles for your surface cleaners, including All-Purpose, Bathroom, Streak-Free, Foaming Hand Wash, and Laundry. It also comes with Oxygen Boost for extra stubborn stains on pots and pans, laundry, bathroom tile and more. This kit is a great way to kickstart your human-safe cleaning routine
Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya. Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body support they deserve.
Honeylove: Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/DMA #honeylovepod