No new mum should leave hospital

empty-handed.

The Village Co. exists so that no new mum ever feels alone or unprepared on day one of motherhood.

Together, we can make sure every mother in South Australia begins her journey with dignity, care, and connection.

Who We Are

Co-founded by former midwife Steph Malan and Nicole Doak, The Village Co. is a South Australian registered charity supporting women through pregnancy and the first 12 months after birth, especially those facing domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, or isolation.

Our work began when Steph saw women arrive at hospital to give birth without even the basics – no pads, no nappies, clothes, or toiletries, and leave with nothing but their baby in their arms. From that heartbreak grew a powerful mission: to make sure no mother walks that journey alone.

Why Supporting a New Mum Matters

The first days of motherhood shape far more than memories, they shape a mother’s confidence, her connection to her baby, and her belief that she can do this. When a woman feels supported, her stress lowers, her bond with her baby strengthens, and her ability to nurture and thrive grows. But for too many women, day one begins with fear, loneliness, and nothing but a hospital bag. By surrounding new mums with care, essentials, and community, we help them feel seen, valued, and capable, because when a mother is supported, her baby, her family, and her future all flourish.

What We Do

Every program we run is built around one purpose – to embrace, equip, and empower new mothers.

• Welcome Babe Program – Essential care packs filled with nappies, baby clothes, hygiene items, and love, gifted to mothers in public hospitals across Adelaide. Each pack says, “You are not alone.”
• Self-CareProgram  Gentle, nurturing packs for mothers leaving hospital with empty arms after miscarriage, stillbirth, or baby removal, helping them feel seen and cared for.
• Mama Milk Program  Breast-pump support for mothers establishing or maintaining milk supply while managing hardship
• A Nourished Week  Ready-made meals delivered to new mums who have no “village” to cook for them.
• The Village Co. Pop Up  Safe, café-style spaces (and soon, a travelling van) where vulnerable mums can connect, learn, and access health professionals, essentials, and friendship, all in one place
• Helen Mayo House Mental Health Kits Thoughtfully curated packs provided to mothers admitted to Helen Mayo House, offering comfort, care, and connection during a time of emotional vulnerability. Each kit reminds a mum that she is not alone.
• HOPE Boxes  Compassionate boxes for parents experiencing baby loss or separation. Filled with keepsakes and gentle self-care items, they offer comfort, dignity, and a way to honour love and memory.

The Reality Behind the Need

Motherhood can be beautiful, but for too many women, it begins in fear and isolation.

Behind each statistic is a mother just trying to do her best with almost nothing.
When you support The Village Co., you help change that story.
You give a mother more than nappies and wipes, you give her hope, connection, and the knowledge that her community cares.