Lauren Preskitt, founder of The Outdoor Moms, knows firsthand the challenges that new motherhood can bring. After giving birth to her daughter in September 2023, Lauren struggled with postpartum isolation and mental health.
“I didn’t think it could happen to me,” Preskitt admitted. “I thought it was something I could control.”
Her friends were at different stages in their lives, with older children, leaving her feeling disconnected. Desperate for support and companionship, Lauren’s partner encouraged her to seek out new friendships.
As an outdoor lover and avid hiker, Lauren decided to reach out to other moms through a local Facebook group. She posted about a hike she planned to take, and to her surprise, two other moms joined her.
“That hike was transformative. It showed me that I am not alone in what I was feeling and that moms need a supportive, uplifting community,” Lauren recalled with gratitude. “I’m so thankful for the moms who took that first step with me. Their presence made all the difference.”
From that initial hike, The Outdoor Moms was born. The group, which hikes every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in North Georgia, includes a mental health check-in where moms share their weekly wins and struggles. This simple, yet powerful practice has resonated deeply, helping the group grow from three moms to 1,500, with chapters all over Georgia including East Cobb and even into Alabama. Moms can join by following the group on Instagram and Facebook.
“I feel so proud of the response and extremely happy that moms have a place they can come and make friends, have a positive experience, and get their babies outside in nature,” Lauren said.
Jessica De Leo, a mom of one, joined The Outdoor Moms after moving to the Atlanta metro area and feeling isolated. “The first hike completely changed my life here,” she shared. “I’m grateful for the connections I’ve made and the support I’ve received from other moms who understand the challenges I’m facing.”
"I joined the group to deepen the relationship my children and I have with the outdoors in a safe and welcoming environment," added Melissa Heim, mom of two. "It’s hard getting out of the house with kids, but knowing other moms will be around to help and other children my kids can play with is a win-win! I’ve gotten a piece of my own childhood back and received so much support on all things motherhood."
Looking ahead, Lauren envisions The Outdoor Moms expanding even further, with chapters in every state and possibly internationally. Her goal is to get 10,000 moms outside by 2025.
This is not just a hiking group; it’s a lifeline for many mothers seeking friendship, support and a breath of fresh air. Lauren and The Outdoors Moms community are grateful for the connections they’ve made, the strength they’ve found in each other and the joy of sharing nature’s beauty with their little ones.