Spot a ribbon tied to a mum’s bag? This is what it means

“They aren’t just pretty additions, but powerful statements."

Image: Instagram @annamathur

Those first few visits to the local park or cafe with a newborn baby can be anxiety provoking times for new parents. I remember fast paced walks to grab a coffee and some fresh air while my baby cried and I averted the eyes of those around me.

In those early vulnerable weeks, I believed I was the only one to feel that way, but as research shows, one in five women report feeling anxious or depressed during pregnancy and after the birth. 

Author, psychotherapist and mum of three Anna Mathur found herself feeling overwhelmed in those early days of motherhood and knew there had to be a better way.

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Image: Instagram @annamathur

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A simple universal system for tired new mums

In April 2023 created the now viral ‘mum ribbon movement’ to help vulnerable and anxious new mums connect with each other with a simple, universal system where mums could recognise that their fellow mum is open to offering or receiving support by tying a colourful ribbon to their bag.

And now big brands and charities are catching up with this brilliant idea, just in time for Breastfeeding Awareness Week and beyond.

Pippeta a breastfeeding accessories organisation is working with founder Anna to support maternal mental health and spread her message of connection and support.

In an instagram post this week the company explains how the movement works:

“By tying a ribbon to your bag, changing bag or pram, to show solidarity, kindness, a code between mums to say “we got you”. It’s to promote positive maternal mental health and to encourage mums to empower one another on not just their breastfeeding journey but the whole journey of motherhood. ⁠

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"We encourage family members to get involved"

“We also encourage other family members to get involved as we realise that the care of children and the struggles that come with this do not solely lie with Mum but can be Dad’s, grandparents, and other care givers too.⁠”

Anna shared the reasons why she originally decided to begin the movement on her socials. 

“The ribbon tied to my bag says… you can ask me for a spare nappy, a hug or a chat if you feel lonely. I'm here if you need a not-so-random act of kindness.

“It says I'm open to you offering help if I'm having a tough time; it says I welcome your words of solidarity if you see me deep breathing in the high street.”

She was thrilled when the movement took off, inspiring mums all over the globe to add a ribbon to their bag or pram that would stand out and signal to other women they were open to connection and support.

“In a society that pits women against women, this is a battle cry that needing each other isn’t lack of strength,” Anna later wrote on Instagram alongside more photos of ribbons.

“ …Leaning towards each other makes us stronger and healthier mentally. This is an antidote to loneliness, comparison, division, fear of being rebuffed when supporting others.”

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"Maternal mental health issues are on the rise"

In a recent story for Netmums about the movement’s continued growth, Anna says she is supportive of the movement’s new direction to support breastfeeding mums.

“I see first-hand that maternal mental health issues are on the rise.

“Loneliness plus a lack of support is a huge part of this. Breastfeeding can be both beautiful and challenging.

“Taking the pressure ‘off mum’, by giving you permission to accept help, armed with the knowledge that you are supported and not judged, will undoubtedly demonstrate that the smallest, simplest act of kindness and understanding can change someone’s day for the better.”

So the next time you see a mum with a ribbon tied to her bag or pram, give her a supportive smile or better still, ask if she wants a chat, a nappy or a hug and don’t forget to add your own ribbon too.

Originally published as Spot a ribbon tied to a mum’s bag? This is what it means