Making Connections with Like-Minded Moms

As a new mom, you’re generally thrust into a new social circle, especially if you’re the first one of your friends to have a baby. Forming relationships with like-minded moms will help you feel supported and understood during a time when you’re most likely sleep-deprived and feeling a bit awkward because it’s new territory. Don’t go it alone!

Where to Find New Moms

Meeting new moms is relatively easy. It takes a little effort, but you’ll reap big rewards! Here are some suggestions on where to find like-minded moms:

• Momtourage or other localized online communities—this is a great way to “screen” potential friends because you can read what their comments to gain a sense of whether or not you’re like-minded to begin with.
• Church or synagogue—obviously this answer the question as to whether you have the same religious views, which for many is a great comfort.
• Local events and parks—getting out with your family and meeting others gives you an opportunity to see if the entire family clicks and how you do having fun together.
• Mommy & Me Music or Gym classes—this is a great way to have fun and potentially meet other moms who you can form a relationship with outside of class.
• Mothers Morning Out—yet another way to meet lots of moms in one place. Attending an activity eases the potential awkwardness of starting a conversation because you can talk about the activity on hand.

Forming Bonds That Last

The only way to have a relationship is to spend time together and what better way to do that than planning activities that can help you build a friendship with other moms. First, there are the activities mentioned above that you can continue to pursue with your child, but then there’s the all-important mom time that will help you maintain your self-confidence and self-esteem as a woman. Here are some suggestions:

1. Girls Night Out—This has become an accepted form of socializing for all women. Whether it’s a dinner or mani-pedi, a movie or a workout class. Schedule it once a month and leave the baby with dad. He can manage that!
2. Workout—If you belong to a gym and they don’t have a childcare center, move to another facility. This is mainstream stuff now. It gives you an opportunity to work off more than inches—work off that stress that comes from being a mom.
3. Take a Class—interested in photography, painting or cooking. Sign up and learn something new. Figure out the childcare in advance. Surely the grandparents could pull one night a week for a month or so. If you’re without family close by, check out a sitter service like care.com. Believe me, it’s worth every penny!!
4. Attend Local Women’s Events—Whether it’s a volunteer organization or a fundraiser, enjoy some time with local women to just have fun, forget about the stresses of everyday life with a new baby and enjoy being a woman!
5. Movie Night—This can be at a girlfriend’s house or your own home. Just make sure if you host, that’s in another part of the house so you’re not interrupted with the evening routine of putting baby down for the night. You’re off duty!

 Always make time for you!