Isn’t being a new mom great? The sweet baby coos. The cuddles. The feeling of total fulfillment you get in being your baby’s favorite person in the world.
Then again, there’s also the lack of sleep. And the whole smelling like baby vomit thing. Plus… you can’t remember the last time you talked to another adult who wasn’t your partner.
Yes, being a new mom is great. But it is also an intensely transitory state of being, where everything about your life is changing. Some women are lucky enough to go through that transition with a solid group of mom friends already by their side; women who are in the same life stage and can serve as a beacon of support. But for a lot of women, this transition also means feeling fairly alone in what you are going through, not having that support system to lean back on.
If that describes you and your situation, what you need is a few new mom friends! And here’s where you can make them:
- Mommy and Me Classes: Starting at about 6 weeks old, there are all kinds of classes you can begin taking your little one to. From basic Mommy and Me, to swimming, gymnastics, music and more—a quick search online should tell you exactly what is available in your area. These classes can be great for you and your baby, but perhaps more importantly, they can serve as a fantastic opportunity to meet other moms with babies around the same age as your own. Remember to smile and make small talk your first few classes, as you search for a fellow mom (or moms) you feel a connection with. Then, suggest a play date!
- At the Park: Or the grocery store. Or the pediatrician’s office. Really, anywhere that new moms might congregate is a great place to keep an eye out for new friends. Be warm and genuine in your approach, and you may find that you aren’t the only one looking for some new moms to connect with. This can be a lonely time, after all; so be brave. Making a new friend is worth taking the risk of saying, “Hello” and striking up a conversation. Hint: “How old is he/she?” is a great place to start!
- Online Mommy Boards: Sure, it would be great if you could make some mommy friends right next door. But depending on where you live, that may not be an option; it doesn’t mean you have to remain lonely, though. The Internet has opened us up to a whole new way of connecting, and between Facebook and dedicated mommy boards, there are tens of thousands of potential mommy friends around the world, just waiting to connect and find someone to navigate alongside in this new world of motherhood.
Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.
