Sisterhood and care for the unexpectedly challenging journey to motherhood.

Thank you for making the 2024 MIW Retreat an unforgettable experience.

• Stay tuned for more from Mamas In Waiting. •

Thank you for making the 2024 MIW Retreat an unforgettable experience. • Stay tuned for more from Mamas In Waiting. •

Mamas In Waiting is a faith-based community and in person experience for Black women whose journey to motherhood has been more complicated than they had ever imagined. It is a place to rest, relax, laugh, cry, and most importantly be cared for side-by-side with other women who “get it”.

This is not a space for more medical advice, more preaching, or more well-meaning but misguided suggestions of what to do.

Instead, it is an opportunity to set down the weight that you’ve been carrying in a safe space that comes with no pressure to do or be anything other than your whole, authentic self, wherever you are on the journey.

The Mamas-In- Waiting Experience

Our inaugural gathering to nurture and love on mamas-in-waiting took place during Mother’s Day weekend, May 10-11, 2024 in Kent Island, MD. And it was everything.

About Our Hosts

Erica Williams Simon is an award winning narrative strategist, interviewer, speaker and author.

Maaden Eshete Jones is a celebrated writer, podcast host, gift shop owner, and self-love advocate.

And both came to motherhood after long, miraculous and faith-filled journeys.

God dropped the Mamas In Waiting vision and assignment in Erica’s heart after the birth of her son. She immediately reached out to her childhood classmate, Maaden, whose own story and sisterhood had already provided inspiration to many. 

Together, they are driven to use their lives and years of professional and ministry experience in gathering, teaching and supporting women, to care for other Mamas-In-Waiting.

Mama In Waiting (noun):

(1) A woman of faith who believes that motherhood is her destiny but is waiting to meet her child(ren).

(2) Similar to “lady-in-waiting”, a noble woman in aristocratic society whose job was to care for the queen, a Mama-in-Waiting nurtures and cares for the hearts of her sisters without judgment or expectation.

 FAQs

  • The inaugural Mamas-In-Waiting experience will be $1895 and includes luxury accommodations at the beautiful Inn at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, all meals and snacks, customized programming with expert speakers, beautiful take-home gift …plus a few surprises! A limited number of early bird tickets are being made available for $1395. Early bird registration also guarantees a first choice spa appointment (optional add-on) so don’t miss out!

  • No! Mamas in Waiting have many different journeys: from unexplained infertility and failed IVF to reoccurring pregnancy loss, secondary infertility and everything in between, we acknowledge the uniqueness of every woman’s story and welcome all to the community.

  • As lifelong “church girls”, Erica and Madi’s faith was a critical and complex part of their journeys. While helpful, religious spaces often didn’t make room for the kind of authenticc questions and raw feelings that are natural for Mamas In Waiting to have. We want to create a space that honors the role that faith plays in encouraging, healing and experiencing the hope and love that Mamas In Waiting so desperately need…while also acknowledging the messiness of it all. All are welcome, regardless of how you identify or where you are in your spiritual walk.

  • We know that all Mamas In Waiting have their own unique story. But if you are someone who is in need of a safe space to be encouraged, supported, and loved on by women who “get it”, this event is for you. If you are tired from walking through daily triggers like a game of dodge ball, managing medical information, unsolicited advice, and holding hope, disappointment, anger, grief, fear, and faith all at the same time, GET HERE. We promise.: This is your chance to breathe.

  • First, spread the word. If you know of a Mama In Waiting who deserves some love and care, send this information her way and encourage her to join us.

    Secondly, donate. The journey to mamahood can be surprisingly expensive and doesn’t always leave room in the budget for events like this. So why not put your money where your heart is? Any donation that you can provide will go towards helping women who may need a little financial help. Click here for direct donation, or use the “Join Us” and you following instructions for donations on the ticket sales website.

    And lastly, sponsorship and partnership. If you are an organization or a service provider that is interested in partnership, please reach out. The Mamas In Waiting village is big - and always growing!