Alberton mom creates a safe haven for new mothers and babies
Becoming a new mom can be a beautiful yet overwhelming journey, and one Alberton resident, Leandra Foster, is making it a little easier.
Leandra Foster (34), a mother of three resigned from her corporate work life to follow her heart and founded Lielies Club, a playgroup designed for new mothers and their babies.
After working in the corporate industry for over seven years, Foster felt called to something greater.
“I realised that God wanted me to follow my passion,” she said.
Her journey started in her church, where she served without knowing she was being prepared for her future role.
“After having my twins, I told my husband that I wanted more kids, and now I see that God was preparing me for this. I love helping kids and helping people.”
Lielies Club began in a humble setting in a very good friend’s storage room where Foster hosted playgroup sessions for a year and a half. But as the need grew, so did her vision.
She later moved into a new home in Verwoerd Park, where her spacious yard allowed her to expand her dream.
What started with 20 to 30 moms has now grown to nearly 50 mothers who come together to support each other.
“We help each other in many different ways. Being a new mom can be frustrating, and the group helps a lot. “The moms end up becoming friends and even family,” said Foster.
Lielies Club provides a calm and nurturing environment where babies can develop essential skills while moms connect.
The program is filled with engaging activities designed to promote sensory development, fine and gross motor skills, and language growth.
The club is open to babies of all age groups, with sessions for one to six, seven to 12, 13-24, and 25-36 months.
However, Foster emphasised that Lielies Club is about more than just playtime – it’s about community.
“Lielies Club is more than just a playgroup; it’s a community of moms supporting each other through the joys and challenges of parenthood.
“Mothers have the opportunity to share experiences, exchange advice, and build lasting friendships,” Foster shared.
The group regularly organises events outside playgroup, like coffee dates, nights out, picnics, braais and many more events that friends and family would normally do together.
For moms looking to join this supportive network, Leandra Foster can be contacted at 076 208 6806.
