The original idea came from Kay Roudaut, founding
member, who had benefited from and therefore appreciated the "tremendous
voluntary mother support services in the UK" two years previously
with the birth of her first child, and wanted to re-create a similar
network in and around Paris.
"Women often feel isolated and cut off when
they first have their babies, especially if they have stopped working
or are away from family and friends.
Many women do come up against various problems, perhaps not big
ones, but which they are afraid to discuss with their doctor,
clinic or even their own family because they don't want people
to think they can't cope.... Thus after talking to several people
and realizing that there was very little going on in Paris and
the surrounding area for mothers and babies, MESSAGE had its first
informal meeting.
Information was gradually collected and finally the first public
meeting was held in June 1984. We were delighted with the feedback
- the next step was when we decided to produce the MESSAGE newsletter,
which is part of a contact scheme. Thus those who are unable to
attend meetings will be able to receive the newsletter, be kept
informed and make their own arrangements with other members."
– Kay Roudaut, MESSAGE Founder and first President,
Autumn 1984
