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Real talk on motherhood, mindset & the messy middle.

I’m Gill Townsend, founder of The Mama Assembly™, a space where motherhood, midlife, and momentum collide (sometimes gracefully, often chaotically).

The Mama Edit is home to mini-series and musings on the mental load, identity, ambition, and parenting, the real side of motherhood in a fast-changing world.

It’s the unfiltered side of motherhood, the thoughts we all have but rarely say out loud. You’ll find reflections, relatable reads, and stories that remind you you’re not alone in the chaos.

☕ Grab a coffee and dive in, because this is where real life gets edited, not airbrushed.

Part of The Mama Assembly™, The Mama Edit is a creative space for real mums finding balance, purpose, and a little magic in the messy middle.

The Mama Edit – Real Stories, Motherhood & Mindset for Modern Women

Unfiltered stories on motherhood, mindset, and the messy middle, where real women, real talk, and a little chaos all belong.

Read the latest issue or join hundreds of women finding their next chapter.
Three women laughing together on a park bench in the sunshine, representing connection, support, and shared joy — visual for What Slows Us Down – Part 4: Building a New Way, Together.
What Slows Us Down – Part 4: Building A New Way, Together
It’s time to stop just surviving and start building something better, together. Part 4 of What Slows Us Down is about rewriting the rules with more laughter, more kindness, and... Read more...
Mum working from her car surrounded by papers, laptop, and snacks while kids play outside, visual for What Slows Us Down – Part 3: Internalised Pressure (To Do It All).
What Slows Us Down – Part 3: Internalised Pressure (To Do It All)
We don’t always need the world to pressure us, sometimes we do that all by ourselves. Part 3 dives into the inner voice that tells us we’re not doing enough,... Read more...
Mum and two children jumping and laughing in a messy kitchen with papers flying everywhere, capturing the chaos and energy of everyday family life — visual for What Slows Us Down – Part 2: Systems Not Built for Us.
What Slows Us Down – Part 2: Systems Not Built For Us
Some systems just weren’t built for modern life — or for mums trying to do it all. From rigid hours to invisible barriers, here’s why so many of us feel... Read more...
Messy kitchen table with toys, coffee cup, and a tired mum smiling over breakfast — visual for “What Slows Us Down – Part 1: Time Poverty Is Real.”
What Slows Us Down – Part 1: Time Poverty Is Real
You can earn more money, but you can’t make more time. Between work deadlines, family chaos and the “Mum, can you just…” moments, it’s no wonder so many of us... Read more...
Group of confident, smiling children standing together outdoors, representing strength, unity, and raising a generation that knows its worth.
What We Say Around Our Kids – Part 4: Raising Voices That Know Their Worth
It’s not just what we say to our kids, it’s what they see, hear, and learn about love, power, and respect inside their own homes. This final part of the... Read more...
Mother hugging two children outdoors at sunset, symbolising warmth, connection, and learning to talk about feelings together.
What We Say Around Our Kids – Part 3: Talking About Feelings (Even When We Didn’t Learn How)
Most of us didn’t grow up knowing how to talk about feelings.Now we’re parenting in real time, learning alongside our kids how to name emotions, stay present, and choose connection... Read more...
Mother smiling with two children in a colourful playroom, symbolising connection, conversation, and how everyday words can shape self-worth.
What We Say Around Our Kids – Part 2: How “Be Good” and “Be Quiet” Still Echo
“Be good.” “Be quiet.” “Be nice.”, the phrases many of us grew up hearing.They sound harmless, but they teach kids to please others and shrink themselves. This second part in... Read more...
Two mugs with bold text designs reading “All In” and “Not Today Karen” on a green tropical background with headline text ‘Two Moods. Two Mugs. One Mama on a Mission.’ – The Mama Assembly.
Two Mugs. Two Moods. One Mama on a Mission.
Because some mornings you’re unstoppable, and others you’re over it.Meet our newest mugs: All In for the dreamers, and Not Today Karen for the boundary-keepers. Read more...
Mother and child sharing a quiet moment by the window, reflecting the theme of mindful communication and how our words shape the way kids see themselves.
What We Say Around Our Kids – Part 1: The Words They’ll Remember
Little ears have big memories. They hear everything, the good, the bad, and the “I’m so stupid” when we spill the milk. This first part in the What We Say... Read more...
Relaxed woman sits at a bar in a floral blouse, sipping a bright orange cocktail and gazing thoughtfully into the distance. Text overlay reads ‘Motherhood & Identity’ Series – Part 4: Making Room for You (Without Guilt) by The Mama Assembly.
Motherhood & Identity Series – Part 4: Making Room for You (Without Guilt)
You can be a great mum and still need time to yourself. This final post in the Motherhood & Identity series explores how to make space for your own needs... Read more...
Confident woman wearing a bright orange blazer smiles joyfully in the street with her hands raised. Text overlay reads ‘Motherhood & Identity’ Series – Part 3: Ambition Isn’t Selfish – It’s a Map by The Mama Assembly.
Motherhood & Identity Series – Part 3: Ambition Isn’t Selfish: It’s a Map
Wanting more doesn’t make you a bad mum. It makes you human. This post explores how ambition can be a roadmap back to yourself, one that leads to purpose, joy,... Read more...
Smiling mum sits at a kitchen table holding a coffee cup and pen, surrounded by a notebook, fruit, and papers. Text overlay reads ‘Motherhood & Identity’ Series – Part 2: Why “Balance” Might Be a Lie by The Mama Assembly.
Motherhood & Identity Series – Part 2: Why "balance" might be a lie
We’re told mums can “have it all”, career, kids, calm. But what if balance isn’t the goal? Part 2 of the Motherhood & Identity series explores why the chase for... Read more...

Join me as we explore the systems, mindsets, and stories shaping modern motherhood, and how we can build better, together.

Illustration of a woman with sunglasses and text about 'The Mama Edit' on a gradient background.