I Was Told There'd Be a Village

Transforming Motherhood through the Power of Connection

By: Melissa Wirt

Narrated by: Melissa Wirt

Pushing back against a system which feels designed to keep parents isolated and exhausted, Latched Mama founder Melissa Wirt shows moms how to build a supportive “village” to bring joy and connection back to motherhood.

Melissa Wirt thought she had everything—her own company and a beautiful family. But during a personal crisis, she realized: despite having created an online community reaching thousands of moms, she’d somehow, become utterly isolated. In I Was Told There'd Be a Village, Melissa describes how she began making small changes—leaving behind an Isolation Mindset and developing a Village Mindset.

Using personal anecdotes and stories from moms across the country, this book provides specific, actionable steps to transform oppressive, solitary parenting into a collective (and even joyful) endeavor.

Critic reviews

“Having it all doesn't mean doing it all. It's essential to understand that we don't have to navigate this journey of parenthood alone. Melissa Wirt addresses this significant struggle we have as parents — American society making it impossible to have a village—and offers an insightful guide on how to create connection in this context.”
—Eve Rodsky, New York Times Bestselling author of Fair Play

“This book is a balm for the souls of mothers. Melissa Wirt shows that so many of our modern maternal ailments have a root cause—loneliness—and that the cure is within our grasp. With warmth and wit, she coaches us on how to establish a powerful network of mom friends. Wirt herself feels like a friend of the very best sort. We cheer her on throughout, confident that she is cheering for us.”
—Abigail Tucker, New York Times bestselling author of Mom Genes

"These are stories that bring hope, normalizing the difficulties of our present moment and reminding us of a powerful resource: one another. Wise and actionable, this book is like a big-hearted hug for moms."—Sheryl Ziegler, PsyD, author of Mommy Burnout

"Melissa Wirt thinks like me—that living in community makes us happier, healthier and more grounded. Using her experience as a mother, she deftly teaches the art of connection. Encouraging, honest, and just fun to read, I recommend this book to all new moms."
—Mary Pipher, New York Times bestselling author of Reviving Ophelia and Women Rowing North

I feel heard

This book put words to things I have been feeling and waking with since having kids. I finally felt heard and relatable. Knowing I’m not alone in my feelings or are my feelings bad or wrong made me feel validated and human. Was great to listen to in the car or on a walk.

Gets to the Nitty Gritty

I loved this book! It literally got down to the nitty gritty feelings of motherhood and I’m so thankful I read it & was encouraged!!

This will hit the feels

Just here to rave. I was unsure when I bought it. I preordered it to support the author. Now I want a copy for me and one to make notes in and...lol. seriously a beautiful book.

I felt this book deeply in my soul

Great book that made me have hope and a plan. I feel less alone in my motherhood journey.

Best Mom Book

This was the best book for moms. It really hits every mom situation right on.