New moms need support, it's just that simple.
After I had My Little One and decided to be a stay at home parent I knew I would need other moms.
The single best decision I've made for myself was to join a moms group! Why? Because we support each other - in whatever we need regardless of our personal/parenting beliefs.
You don't need to wait until your babe is born to start going, in fact you might get some great advice on delivery and nursing.
Just cover your ears when that clueless mom starts in on her horrible birth story! Your moms group can also support you after babe is born by providing meals and answers to questions you never thought you'd ask! Our group started at a local breastfeeding forum, Starfish Lactation ( See Resources for Reno Families ) and has grown into a network of wonderful women.
We meet every Tuesday and talk about anything and everything while our babes play.
How can you get involved? Join a group by doing a Google search for your area or look for groups on Facebook.
It can be intimidating going to a group where you don't know anyone but I can guarantee that you'll be welcomed with open arms.
After all everyone is there for the same reason - to make friends.
You can also start like I did through a breastfeeding support group or forum.
Connect with your local lactation consultant to see if they provide a weekly breastfeeding forum.
Both local hospitals have breastfeeding support groups as well.
Even if your breastfeeding relationship is established go anyway because the discussions don't always revolve around breastfeeding and it's a great place to meet other moms.
Play gyms ( like MyGym ) host open houses to generate business, take your babe even if they can't really climb and play.
I took Little before he could crawl because again it's a way to interact with other moms and families.
Here in Reno Sarah ( who runs Nevada Breastfeeds on Facebook - See Resources for Reno Families ) even arranged a playgroup at MyGym once a month for babes 0-3 years old and posts the date each month on Facebook.
I'm sure you know how fast word spreads on Facebook! Moms need other moms.
You can bet that mom at the park would love nothing more than to be your friend! So don't be shy! Introduce yourself and your babe, you already know you have your babes in common and conversation flows pretty easily when we talk about them! It only takes a small number of moms to get a group started, you and your friends most likely know someone who is pregnant or who just had a baby so network! Start a page for your moms group on Facebook and watch how fast it grows! Once your group is started you can take turns meeting at each others houses, we have a 'hostess schedule' posted on our Facebook page where moms can choose which dates to host.
We also plan fun outings like going to the lake and local museums.
The possibilities are endless! So get going already! Remember it takes a community to raise a child!