Life with a newborn can feel isolating. Even if this season of life is filled with joy, connection, and support from family and friends, you can still feel alone in the incredibly new and overwhelming motherhood journey. I know I did at times. Finding a community of moms to support this transition to parenthood can make a big difference, in addition to your already established community of friends and family. It helps to have people in your life who are experiencing the same transition and really understand what you’re going through. But finding this community can be difficult, especially during the already overwhelming postpartum period. Here are a few suggestions for where to start in finding a new network of mom friends.
1. Nursing Support Groups
Most hospitals, pediatrician offices, and baby class organizations offer nursing support groups.
If you are nursing, this is a perfect first outing with your baby. It doesn’t matter if you’re late. You’ll be in a comfortable environment with the support of a lactation consultant. And you don’t have to worry about the feeding schedule because you’ll be feeding your baby there. It’s also nice to be surrounded by many other moms in the exact same situation.
Some nursing support groups are more social than others. If you don’t love the first one you go to, consider trying out others in your area until you find one that feels right.
2. Postnatal Mom and Baby Yoga Class
This was one of my favorite ways to meet mom friends postpartum that I wish I had found earlier. With my second baby, I plan to start this when she is 6-8 weeks old.
I assumed baby yoga meant we would be doing lots of yoga poses, my baby would need some basic neck control, and I needed to wait until I didn’t need to nurse her as often. I was so wrong.
Postnatal mom and baby yoga is perfect for new moms and infants. The classes I’ve attended encourage nursing during the class, are very appropriate for newborns, and provide an opportunity to connect with both other moms and your little one.
Many yoga studios that offer prenatal yoga may also offer a postnatal baby yoga class. There are also specific baby class groups that may offer yoga classes.
3. Facebook Groups
Most towns, neighborhoods, and areas have designated mom groups on Facebook that you can request to join. These groups are full of tips for things to do in the area, questions from other moms, and requests to form play dates, play groups, and baby classes. Most group members are looking to socialize and meet new mom friends.
I would recommend posting in the group, introducing yourself and your baby (with their current age), and asking if anyone has any tips for you or is interested in meeting up.
Here’s an example:
Hi Moms! Does anyone know of any drop in mommy and me classes I can attend with my 2 month old? We are looking for things to do during the week. Also looking forward to meeting other moms and setting up play dates or stroller walks. Let me know if you’re interested!
Or:
Hi All! Looking to organize something fun for my 4 month old daughter. Anyone have kids around the same age and up for a play date? Happy to host or meet somewhere else!
My town also has a WhatsApp group for moms in the area, so this might be an option for you as well.
I’ve also heard of Peanut, an app that connects moms. I haven’t tried this yet, but I’ve been meaning to look into it.
4. Public Library
Your local library (or a nearby library) may offer a weekly or bi-weekly story time for babies. Usually, this class is for pre-walkers and will be designed for babies 0-12 months.
Library classes are a great place to meet mom friends. I tried out a handful of libraries before I found two that felt right, so I would recommend bouncing around between libraries until you find the right fit.
If your library only offers a general story time for all ages, this is still a great place to bring your newborn or young baby. Story time is a great introduction to a social setting and exposes your baby to early literacy skills. For you, it provides some much-needed adult conversations, too.
Some bookstores also offer story time readings. Bonus if there’s a coffee shop and time for you to browse for yourself!
5. Pediatrician Parent Groups
Pediatrician offices usually offer groups to support parents with the transition into parenthood. There may be upcoming events or meet ups on the calendar, in addition to the weekly nursing support group.
6. Neighborhood Parks
Playgrounds can be very social places and ideal for meeting mom friends. Pushing babies side by side on the swings or standing on the sidelines as toddlers play makes it easy to strike up a conversation. You will most likely start to see the same moms if you stick to a schedule.
With a newborn, pre-swinging, or pre-walking baby, bring a blanket to spread out in the shade by the playground. Your baby will love to watch kids play and you may meet other parents with babies of similar ages.
7. Local Baby Activities and Classes
Your area may offer a variety of baby activities and classes, in addition to the local public library. Many organizations offer classes for young babies including music classes (Music Together is a great option), baby massage classes, MyGym (4+ months old), swim classes (4+ months old), or parent-baby classes at your recreation center.
8. Non-Baby Activities
Think about some groups or activities in your area that you can join that have nothing to do with babies. Meeting up with new people at a book club, knitting circle, cooking class, gardening club, the gym, or a yoga class will give you a break from baby world. It’s also an opportunity to expand your social circle. You may even meet someone who has kids the same age or can connect you with a friend or family member for a play date.
9. Find a MOPS Group
Check out MOPS.org to find a MOPS group near you. This is not something I’ve looked into yet, but it seems interesting.
10. Neighborhood Walks
This one’s easy. Take walks in your neighborhood and be open to conversation with strangers. You may see another mom with a stroller, strike up a conversation, and realize you live a block apart. Perfect for playdates and daily walks! Mix up the routine of when you take your walk to see when other moms are out and about with their littles.
What advice would you give a new mom looking to meet other moms? Share in comments!
P.S. How to build a postpartum team to support your recovery and the advice I wish I had received as a new mom.
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