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New Mom? You’re Not Alone

CollageCenter • Jun 17, 2020

Becoming a parent changes your life. Your priorities change. Your schedule changes. Your needs change. Maybe your friends are in the same stage of life and they completely get it. Or maybe you feel like you’re suddenly in this whole other world and you’re navigating it alone. 


If you’re a new mom, you need a solid support network. Even if your family and friends are being as loving and supportive as they can be, it’s really helpful to have the support of other moms in a similar stage of life. Someone who is also fluent in the language of diaper brands and nursing bras. Someone who understands how exhausted you are. 


So if you aren’t naturally already in a circle of other new moms, how can you build that support network? Here are some ideas: 

  • Online Groups & Message Boards – If you’re juggling work or school and parenting and don’t have a lot of time for face-to-face meet-ups (or if a worldwide pandemic is keeping you at home), this is a great way to virtually meet other moms in similar stages of life. 


  • Library StoryTime – Most local libraries have storytime for babies and moms and for preschoolers and moms. During these times, you’ll meet other moms and provide socialization for your little one. 


  • Music or Exercise Classes – Maybe you can find a baby/toddler/preschooler music class or a Mommy & Me exercise class or stroller aerobics. Some community rec centers offer these classes free for residents or for a very low price. 


  • MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) or other Mommy & Me Groups – You can search online for a local, organized group that is designed to provide you with the support of other new moms and maybe even offer the encouragement of more experienced moms who volunteer as mentors. 


  • La Leche League – If you’re breastfeeding, a local La Leche meeting can provide the help and friendship of other nursing moms. 


  • The Park – If you go to a neighborhood playground in the mid-morning, you’re likely to find some other moms of young children. Who knows – maybe your future mom-network is already standing around the baby swings! 


  • Ask Your Pediatrician – Your baby’s doctor probably knows a network of support for new moms and can hook you up. 


This parenting thing is a huge adjustment and lots of hard work. You don’t have to do it alone. Finding a network of other moms to offer friendship, understanding, advice, and community is vital. When you get together, you may feel bleary-eyed and sleep-deprived, but at least you’ll all feel bleary-eyed and sleep-deprived together. 

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