Having a baby is an exciting time! But it can also be overwhelming and exhausting. Especially for new moms, there is so much to figure out, no matter how much you read in advance. It’s important to make you are set up for success when the baby arrives home. Having a support network you can ask questions of and learn from as well as laugh and cry with, is invaluable. A support network (even if that’s a WhatsApp group of other people who share your circumstances) can really make all the difference to how you feel. Here are some tips on how to find and participate in communities.
Get social! Join parenting groups and interact with them
As well as it being the best time in your life by far, being a Mom can be lonely, terrifying, isolating, monotonous, frustrating, difficult, tiring … (I won’t go on). Joining breastfeeding and other support and social groups for Moms is literally a lifeline. I can not over-emphasise the camaraderie it can bring to be in touch with people who are going through the same challenges you are and can offer support, advice or just an ear or a smile. Join the groups before baby arrives as you won’t have time to research afterwards.
Groups where you can meet other parents:
- La Leche League is a global breastfeeding network with support groups that meet physically and online
- Pre and post-natal yoga and pilates classes
- Call your local healthcare providers (GPs, hospitals, state health service) and see what breastfeeding support groups there are
- Google ‘play groups near me’, ‘Mom and baby groups near me’
- Check what reading or play groups your local libraries might run
- Ask local creches
- Go to Mom and baby classes e.g. baby sensory
Tips for getting the most out of parent groups:
- If you go to one of these organised things don’t be afraid to be the one that suggests going for a coffee afterward and invite anyone who wants to come. The rest of the group will probably be grateful you had the courage.
- Don’t be afraid to offer your number and let folks know you’re up or going for walks/coffee another day. You can be as helpful to them as they can be to you!
- If there isn’t already a WhatsApp group for the gathering, why not set one up
- If you are part of a group, be careful to know the balance between sharing helpful information and imposing unsolicited advice. Remember that every parent, baby, circumstance, etc. is different.