So, you’re a new mom. The first blissful moments of wonder have melted into weeks of sleepless nights and days that can be lonely and confusing. What do you do when the baby won’t nap? Is that cradle cap normal? Why do you feel like you are losing your sanity? In the first few weeks after my baby was born I became very lonely. My husband was at work all day and, for the first time, I was not. I missed adult conversations and camaraderie. I had thousands of questions and worries about my new little baby. I found myself unreasonably excited about things like a visit to the doctor (Nurses to talk to!) and running out of normal conversation fodder (Baby poop is
NOT interesting to everyone). Here are some ways I found to get out of the house, connect to other moms, and just plain old hang on to my sanity.
1. MOPS International
MOPS (Mothers Of Pre-Schoolers) is an organization for mothers and young children that meets regularly (usually twice a month) for mentoring, sharing, learning, and fellowship. The MOPS organization is church affiliated, but is welcoming to all denominations and backgrounds. My local MOPS chapter had presentations on finding your worth as a woman (not just a mom), making freezer meals, CPR, and other relevant topics. They sponsored monthly “Mom’s Night Out” activities, as well as group play dates at local parks and kid-friendly hang outs. They also provide childcare. There is a membership fee and cost for childcare, but it is minimal and scholarships are available. Visit the MOPS website to see if there is a chapter near you!
http://www.mops.org/
2. Your Local Library
The library is another great way to meet new people and get out of the house. My local library offered a wonderful program called “Book Babies.” This group, for children birth through 24 months, met each week to read baby appropriate books, sing songs, and play together. It was a fun time for my little one, even as young as 3 months old. Studies show that early reading with your baby helps them to become life-long readers. My library also offered story times for older children, as well as activities and clubs for kids up through the teen years. Check your local libraries website or call and speak with the children’s librarian for information on what your library has to offer.
3. Local YMCA or Other Fitness Center
The YMCA or similar type of facility can be helpful to new moms in a number of ways. First of all, most provide childcare to children 6 months and older. This can provide mom with much needed “me time” as well as helping to feel good post-pregnancy. Additionally, many facilities have “mommy and me” style classes available as well, such as swimming or yoga.
4. Local Health and Wellness Centers
Many communities have a health and wellness center that is dedicated to women’s health and pregnancy. Often these centers specialize in prenatal and postpartum health, breastfeeding empowerment, and mom-to-mom fellowship. My town has one such health center and offers infant massage classes, family nutrition classes, a “breastfeeding café,” and other events.
5. The Park
Check out parks in your area. Even if your child isn’t old enough to play on the playground, parks can still provide a way to meet other moms. If the weather is nice, take a walk to the park. Sit on a park bench and read a book while your baby naps. If nothing else, you will feel better just getting out of the house. Bonus: Babies often sleep better after a bit of fresh air.
6. Groups in Your Area
Finally, every community has their own unique opportunities. The small town I live in has farmers’ markets throughout the summer and fall, family movie nights, downtown “safe” trick-or-treating, free outdoor summer concerts, a mom and baby hiking group, and many other great activities for moms and families. Facebook and other social media sites can be a great way to find these events.
