Presented by Mama's Got Mojo
Where we go from here
You're not alone, and we are organized. Pick one thing on this page and start this week. Everything you need is right here, no searching required.
Matrescence
It starts with you and the moms around you.
Matrescence is the developmental transition into motherhood, and it's real. Struggling with identity, recovery, relationships or work, or simply not feeling back to normal, isn't just you. It's something mothers go through together, and having the words for it helps. Then ask yourself: What do I need right now?
Be the village for another mom. See her, check on her, bring the meal, hold the baby, ask what she needs. And remember the village is bigger than kindness. Paid leave, child care, health care and supportive workplaces are part of the village too.
Want to go deeper? Learn more about matrescence from our panelist Victoria Trinko and Seed Mother, an evidence-based matrescence education program developed at Columbia University.
Election 2026
Local, state and national. Your City Council, school board and state legislators decide a lot about child care and family support.
It takes two minutes, and it's worth checking even if you've voted before. Moved recently? Update your address by October 13. Register or check your registration
Any NJ voter can, no excuse needed. Apply by mail by October 27, or in person at the County Clerk by 3 pm on November 2.
Vote Like a Mother is a nonpartisan guide from Chamber of Mothers and Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America. It shows how New Jersey does on maternal health and who is on your ballot. Open the guide or text MOTHER to 26797.
Make a plan together and go vote as a pair.
Make the call
A staffer answers. It takes two minutes. Tap a number to call.
"Hi, my name is ____ and I live in Jersey City, zip code ____. I'm a mom, and I'm asking [name] to support paid family leave and affordable child care. Thank you."
Jersey City is split between the two. This is the Capitol switchboard: ask for your representative by name. Not sure which one is yours?
Jersey City is in Districts 31, 32 and 33.
Show up in person and speak during public comment.
Know what you're entitled to
Many moms never find out about these. Share them with a pregnant friend.
Through Family Connects NJ, a specially trained nurse comes to your home within about two weeks of your baby's arrival. She checks on you and your baby, answers your questions, and connects you to local support if you need it. It's free for every family in Hudson County, whatever your insurance or income, and it's there for births, adoptions, foster and kinship placements, and for families who have experienced stillbirth or newborn loss. Website: familyconnectsnj.org
While you're pregnant and recovering from birth, New Jersey's Temporary Disability Insurance can replace part of your pay.
Family Leave Insurance gives up to 12 weeks to bond with a new baby, for birth, adoption or foster, at 85% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,119 a week in 2026. Partners and dads qualify too. You already pay into it through your paycheck.
Leave pay and job protection are separate. Ask HR whether your job is protected and what your employer adds on top.
Get involved
This film is meant to start something. Here's how to keep it going.
Bring it home
Bring No Country for Mothers to your living room, school, place of worship or workplace.
Sign up at momsfirst.usFind your people
Local moms organizing for paid leave, child care and maternal health. Follow the chapter at @newjersey_chamberofmothers.
Find your chapterFollow and stay connected