My daughter was almost 5 months old when I finally reached out to meet some other new moms in my area. I had a little postpartum depression and well, wasn’t feeling my best to go out and make some new friends. In my case I decided to meet people through Stroller Strides, the fitness program designed for moms to do with their babies in tow. For me, it was great, I was able to slowly and comfortably meet some people and get some exercise as well. My husband and my mom and my friends (who unfortunately lived too far for a walk and meet for a quick coffee) all encouraged me to get out of the house. After doing it, I wished I had earlier. What evolved from Stroller Strides was a sort mom’s group and playgroup made up of those of us who had babies within a few months of each other. It was an easy natural formation for us and today my daughter is almost 3 and I am still friends with the same group of women and our kids get together to play once a week.
After the experience that I had, I find it very important to encourage other expectant and new mothers to get out there and meet some other moms. Becoming a mother is a big adjustment and well, misery loves company. Just kidding!! Really, reaching out is a healthy, positive way to help make your way as a mom. Decades ago, families lived much closer, sometimes in the same neighborhoods making it easier to find help, advice, a sympathetic ear, but now many people live quite far from their relatives. Moms groups can provide that much needed support and connection.
Want to join a mom’s group? Look at your local coffee shops, libraries, toy store and baby stores. Moms groups often post on bulletin boards at these locations to reach out to moms. Look online, many well-organized groups will have a website for groups in your state. Some are very casual and free, some are organized and facilitated by a knowledgible leader/s with and will have some fees, but are still generally affordable.
Want to start a mom’s group? Reach out, post a sign at any place moms will show up. Talk to other new and expecting moms- I know that is not for everyone, but you might be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to meet a new mother. Once you have a group, find a meeting place, your home, rotate homes, a coffee shop, etc- decide what you’re comfortable with. Some groups will be easy to start and others might need some structure to help get the ball rolling with topics and discussions.
Join a stroller fitness group like Stroller Strides. There are branches reaching in many cities and towns across the country. If your not sure about being in an organized group or starting one yourself, it will be another avenue to meeting other moms.
Any way you decide to meet other moms, it can be a helpful and fruitful experience. It will offer you support and possibly some little friends for your little ones.
