Monday, May 10, 2010

New Moms Get Lonely Too!

This article was found on (http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/week-17/new-mom-on-the-block.aspx)
Feeling isolated with a new baby? Here's how to seek out other new mommies near you.

Sure, you adore your little one (Who wouldn't? Those eyes! Those cheeks!), but sometimes you might find yourself craving a grown-up friend who speaks actual words rather than sputtering raspberries at you (as adorable as that can be!). It's pretty common for new moms to feel isolated since they have little time for licking a stamp, let alone chitchatting with their (perhaps single and baby-free) gal pals. So how can you find a real-life connection? Let your baby be your guide!
One way to satisfy your craving for adult conversation and spend quality time with your roly-poly baby is to find other new moms. Mommy-and-me type groups can be found in just about every city and town these days; you just have to know where to look. Whether it's a designated time in a park, or a baby-friendly coffeehouse, or even someone else's living room, your outing can be gratifying for both mommies and babies.
So where to start? Well, the playground and your pediatrician's office are like singles bars for moms seeking moms. You can also check out the bulletin boards at your house of worship, local library, or maybe chat someone up at the supermarket (Hey, babies make great conversation starters!). At the very least, or in addition to finding actual friends-in-the-flesh, you can establish some pretty rewarding relationships with other new moms online.

If you haven't already discovered them, the What To Expect First Year Message Boards are full of amazingly supportive and welcoming women who know exactly what you're going through and share your interests precisely (who else is happy to comment on the color of your baby's poop?). Who knows? You may meet a mommy who's just two towns over! So reach out and touch someone, either in person or virtually. You just might make a friend for life.