First-time moms can often be ambushed by the feelings of isolation and loneliness that come with the early stages of parenting. Wacky sleep schedules, feeding problems, hormonal changes and a new lifestyle often make for a perfect storm.
As dads head back to work after baby’s birth and moms are left alone with their children, it’s important to plug into a support structure. Even if family lives nearby, there’s something invaluable in having friends who are going through the same things at the same time.
But if your pre-kids friends are still kid-less, or – worse yet – past the baby phase, what’s a new mom to do, short of placing an ad on Craigslist: Grownup Conversation Wanted?
Fear not. There are plenty of easy ways to meet other moms. Here are a few tips.
1. Join a local MomsClub chapter. MomsClub is a nationwide nonprofit with over 12,000 local chapters and 100,000+ members. Local coordinators organize child-friendly events where moms can meet, connect and network.
2. Use Meetup. Meetup.com is a great way to find playgroups, moms of tots and other mom-friendly meetups in your local area. Simply go to the homepage, type in “moms†and your zipcode or city, and voila! You’ll likely find plenty of options, including MomsClub chapters near to you.
3. Check out MOPS. MOPS, or Mothers of Preschoolers, is a faith-based organization that allows moms of preschoolers a chance to meet other moms in an organized environment – oftentimes with daycare.
4. Go cyber. If writing’s your thing, starting a mommy blog can be a great way to connect with other like-minded parents. It’s easy to start a free blog at Blogger or WordPress. Then find a mom bloggers’ community to tap into for help and support, like BloggyMoms, SITS Girls, or Mom Bloggers Club.
5. Put yourself out there. Sometimes, meeting other moms is as easy as making the decision to put yourself out there. When all you really want to do is crawl into a ball and nap, take your little one out to the park and strike up a conversation. Head to the library for storytime, even if your baby is too little to care. Join a Gymboree or Little Gym class. Just get out!
6. Relax. Finding the man of your dreams and that perfect little black dress took time. So does finding mom friends you can really connect with. Relax and take your time. It’ll happen!
