the first year

Being a new mom is hard. You feel completely vulnerable because 1). you’re responsible for a fragile human baby and 2). you have no idea what you’re doing because you’ve never done it before! You’re likely still recovering from delivery, which means you probably have stitches somewhere on your body, your breasts are leaking milk, and you can’t remember the last time you blow-dried your hair. On top of all that, you’re probably more exhausted than you’ve ever felt.

Doesn’t exactly sound like an ideal to time to go out and…make friends, right?

But the truth is, getting out to baby-and-mom groups/activities can be a great way to meet and connect with other new moms who can relate to (at least part of) what you’re going through.

Every mom/parent has his or her own unique experience, but some elements are universal–the sleepless nights, the demanding feeding schedules, the anxiety of caring for a newborn–and the intensity of this shared experience can be a powerful way to connect. You don’t have to pretend to have it all together with other moms, because chances are none of you do (even if it might seem otherwise). If you’re honest about your experience, you’ll likely find at least one other mom in the room who can relate, whether you’re lamenting cluster feedings, back pain, or the challenges of adjusting to your “new normal.”

Of course, not every mom that you meet will become a new friend (sure, you both have a baby, but that’s no guarantee that you’ll share the same sense of humour, passions, or Friday Night Lights obsession). But hopefully you’ll meet one or two moms that you click with. And if a new mom acquaintance doesn’t seem open to sharing, don’t push it. You never know what kind of day she might be having.