Women need all the help they can get after the birth of their babies. While the spouse, parents and friends do play a big part in keeping new mums sane in the first few months after the birth of their babies, they also desperately need to connect with other mums going through the same experiences. After all, not everyone is keen to share thoughts about the color of baby’s stool, smelly babies, sleep deprivation, leaky breasts and cracked nipples!
An excellent way for new mothers to network and socialize is by joining a mothers’ group. Here are some tips on where and how to find social groups for mums.
Antenatal or Childbirth Classes
Expectant mums can start looking for a mothers’ group to join even before the baby arrives. Watch out for notices at the antenatal or childbirth classes. Someone may have taken the initiative to start a parents’ group. If there is none, find out who may be keen to join a new group. Get the contact details of interested mums. Make arrangement to stay in touch and get together after the baby’s birth.
Baby Health Clinics
Expectant mothers can also visit their local baby health clinic to find out if new groups will be formed after their due dates. Most baby health clinics are extremely helpful to new parents seeking support and encourage new mothers to meet up with other mothers.
Local Councils or Community Centers
These are great places to find a suitable mothers’ group as well. They may have different groups that cater to different parents – mums of children with special needs, single mums, pregnant mums, working mums, stay-at-home mums, etc. Some local councils or community centers in Australia also provide occasional childcare services for mothers who may need babysitting services on a non-regular basis.
Local Newspapers
Don’t forget to scan the local newspapers for updates and news about new mothers’ groups being formed. Contact details are often provided whenever new groups are created.
Online Mothers’ Groups
New mums keen on joining mothers’ groups from other areas can try the Internet to search for online mothers’ groups. It may not be possible for all members to actually meet up over coffee but the opportunity to network and socialize with other mums hundreds of miles away via blogs, public forums and chat rooms is just as stimulating and exciting. Check out sites such as Kidspot Social, MumsClub and Motherhood of Preschoolers Australia.
New mums can embrace their roles more if they have the support and help from fellow mums. It makes perfect sense for them to join suitable mothers’ groups. Start early. Check with antenatal or childbirth classes first. Other places to find social groups for mums include baby health clinics, local councils, community centers, local newspapers and online mothers’ groups.
Found this article useful? Read also Online Mothers’ Groups in Australia, Making Mothers' Groups Work for New Mothers and Benefits of Joining a Mothers' Group.
References:
Doyle, Melissa and Scard Jo. The Working Mother’s Survival Guide. New South Wales: Allen & Unwin, 2007.
Davies, Justine. How to Afford a Baby. Sydney: ABC Books, 2007.
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