Maui Mother’s Quest Leads to Birth of “Mauimama”

By Katie McMillan

While the gifts of motherhood are enormous, having a child on Maui can certainly have its challenges. Many working families who already struggle to make ends meet find that, without the support of families or other parents, financial challenges are certain to be part of the package.

Kate Griffiths is a Maui mom that understands the types of challenges other local moms face. Shortly after giving birth, she found herself in a tricky situation when both she and her husband found themselves out of work due to the poor economy.

The first issue of Mauimama

Knowing that she needed to revive her career, she started thinking about what kinds of resources she wished she had while she was pregnant. She knew she had a strong desire to help support other mothers. After some encouragement from friends, Griffiths decided it was time to develop a publication that not only provided mothers and mothers-to-be with important resources, but also would help connect mothers and allow them to develop a network of support. As a result, Mauimama was born.

“Meg Obenauf was one of my mama friends who I had been meeting up with on a weekly basis since our kids were around five months old. She had a friend from the West Coast who told her about a newsletter that moms subscribe to. In the newsletter were weekly mama/baby playgroups, and then several pages of businesses advertising their services. The concept sparked my attention and I knew that if I did something like this, I would want it to be something that I wished I had while I was pregnant. I would want it to be free and to promote a more conscious approach to living,” says Griffiths.

Mauimama’s mission is to create a support network for mothers. Not only is it a place to find out about local resources and businesses, it is also filled with informative articles that are often laced with humor. Griffiths wanted the content to provide mothers relief from a stressful day with the kids.

Most of the content and resources featured in Mauimama is local. “Where can I buy this? Who can I see for that? What do I do in this situation? Where is the cheapest place for such and such?  I wanted Mauimama to include everything that I talk about with my girl friends,” states Griffiths. “I really believe the first two years of our lives are the most important as it sets our foundation. If I can help mamas create friendships, make connections with the right people, and provide information that allows them to be more present with their children, then I will feel I have been successful.”

Kate Griffiths gets ready to distribute the first issue of Mauimama. Courtesy photo.

The first issue on Mauimama is out now and it can be found at a variety of health food and grocery stores, libraries, local cafes, restaurants, yoga centers, and doctor’s offices in Kihei, Kahului, Wailuku, Kula, Pukalani, Makawao and Haiku.  Griffith’s is currently distributing the publication herself.

She is also hosting a fundraiser launch party on September 23rd at Flatbread Pizza in Paia at 7 p.m. A portion from all pizza sales will go to support the publication of Mauimama.

Send your Lifestyle tips to katie@mauinow.com