Mamistad Groups

[Anonymous]

For those who belong to a Mamistad Group, do you know what the 35.00 join up fee covers? Does it go straight to Cynthia?

[Anonymous]

What is Mamistad?

[Anonymous]

Sounds like some sort of boot camp for moms.

[Anonymous]

Its a mom's group that a woman named Cynthia organized. I think part of the money goes to offset the website costs, and part of it covers the big events where all groups are invited. I have no idea how much, if any, goes directly to Cynthia.

[Anonymous]

Mamistad has become Cynthia's full-time job - and she's a stay-at-home mom! You only pay $35 dollars if you're placed in a group by-the-way. I realized after I was placed in my group how much work it is for her to put them together. She groups you according to location, due date and work status. Sounds like a pain in the butt to me... Thank goodness someone will do it. My group literally turned my pregnancy around.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, she also arranges events for the individual groups and connects people with doulas, lact. consultnts, etc.

[Anonymous]

WHOA! Just talked to Cyn today - she just put me in a new group. YIPPEE! She does tons for new and pregnant moms. Hopefully she'll open the group up to new members again soon.

[Anonymous]

So does the 35.00 per person pay Cynthia's salary? I am just curious about the pay structure. I have been "placed" and need to send a check. Just want to know what if I am being charged for being placed.

[Anonymous]

How much do you expect to get for free????????????? Geez, people want everything for nothing.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you just ask Cynthia. I'm sure would absolutely have no problem telling you. I love my group and think it saved me from PPD. I don't know how much I would have paid for that...

[Anonymous]

I think Cynthia is posting some of these responses.

My experience? It has been great, but Cynthia can be WAY demanding about how things should be conducted, and it kind of put a damper on some of our group activities. That said, I have loved my Mamistad group. The fee was less when I joined. I asked what it was for, but never got an answer. If it is to cover the Meet-Up costs, isn't that miniscule compared to the MANY 35.00 fees she receives? So it must be salary. Which is cool. . .just be transparent about it!

[Anonymous]

Ha! I guess you've been transparent about how you think she's demanding too huh? I posted the "people want something for nothing post". I just referred my friend Lisa to this site and I told her she'd prob find Mamistad on it. This discussion popped up when I searched Mamistad for her. If you're referring to that and my name is Sara. I've been a member since 2007 and belong to M15. Our group does our own thing - I don't think we need her permission! We don't even post our events anymore.

[Anonymous]

So if your group does its own thing and doesn't post your activities anymore, was the 35.00 a "finders fee?" Like the PP who mentioned transparency, I am also just curious about about what the money is for. I don't expect something for nothing.

[Anonymous]

Reeeearr! Nothing like a good catfight. M5 here and I joined in 2006 (preggers again - yeeha!) when the group was free for the first year! We don't post events either bc we're close personal friends. In fact one of my group members is my son's goddaughter. (Holla k.c.!!) For those of you who have issue, I will say that C admittedly does not actively seek payment. It's an honor system. She once sent an email to the whole group explaining how the dues work. She's building Mamistad.com and she works on Mamistad at least 4-5 hours a day. Works for me...

[Anonymous]

Wow! Hi everyone. Cynthia here. I organize Mamistad. Thank you to the two Mamis who emailed me (and one who called me) to alert me to this discussion. I'm both flattered and nervous to read this thread. I'm way too sensitive for these types of things. I avoid these sights like the plague for fear that I'll see something negative about my second child - Mamistad. Still, after reading this one I decided it was in the best interest of Mamistad to respond. No, I haven't been posting by the way. I don't join these sites for fear of being further bombarded w/email and I just now realized that anyone can post anonymously. Besides that, I honestly don't have the time. Nor do I advertise Mamistad. The group is growing far too fast for me and I'm faced with closing it again soon in an effort to keep up with all the work.

Regarding the fees, I'm saddened to think that anyone feels I'm being at all opaque (that's the opposite of transparent right? regarding this issue. The description is simple and I have emailed to ALL MEMBERS and continue to do so when anyone asks for it. After reading this discussion I have added it to our member guidelines where all new members will see it. It reads simply as follows:
The Membership Fee is due only when you are placed in a private group. These fees cover the cost of our meetup.com web page, costs of constructing the Mamistad.com website and the time I spend constructing groups, providing services and connecting Mamis on a variety of different levels.

I feel the need to briefly explain that I personally place every woman based on location, due/delivery date and work status. I make it a point talk to at length (if not meet in person) every
member of this group. I spend at least 3-5 hours a day (including weekends) creating groups, organizing events, providing services and support and connecting Mamis on a variety of different levels.

I'm further saddened to learn that I come across as demanding to one of my members and I would love your personal feedback as to why you feel this way. My 3 years of experience forming Mami groups has shown me that structure and foundation for a new pregnancy/mom's group are essential to insuring that the group will not just fizzle out right away (as I experienced in my own quest for a group long ago). I'm sorry if my intentions have ever seemed anything less than well-intentioned. PLEASE let me know what I can do better. I really do welcome any and all emails from my members and I wholeheartedly apologize for somehow overlooking your inquiry about the fees. I pride myself on responding as quickly and efficiently as possible to all my Mamis and I'm angry at myself when I learn that I let someone down somewhere. I admit that with over 500 members now however, I do get a little confused sometimes. I'm working on my organizational skills! This group is my passion and I assure you all the my intentions are truly honest and sincere. I experienced depression during my pregnancy and vowed to help any mom I could to never feel the loneliness and isolation I felt. That is truly what fuels me every day to keep pushing for the dream of one day becoming a national organization. At this point I'm very limited by time and resources but I pray that one day that will not be the case. Thank you all for reading and thank you to all you guys who have said such wonderful things about me and Mamistad.

I welcome any personal questions directly to my personal email at cynthiaATmamistadDOTcom. Mom's ROCK! Mamistad! ~c