Tips to help new moms find like-minded friends

Life as a new mother is one filled with a range of emotions: joy and love for the new baby but also, stress associated with your new role. Combine this emotional time with a touch of sleep deprivation and a maternity leave spent at home, and new mothers might be left feeling a bit lonely. Finding like-minded friends who have also experienced this emotional time is an important source of support. Discovering a supportive group of friends who are also mothers can help new moms transition, as this group can offer a social outlet for mums and babies alike.

• Your hunt for playgroups and new friends can begin on the web.
• Search social media sites for local organizations like playgroups or mums' clubs designed for people just like you.
• Websites such as Meetup offer an array of social opportunities for new mothers.
• You can find playgroups of mothers on your side of town or perhaps even in your neighbourhood.
• Whether you're gathering at another mum's house for coffee and playtime, meeting at a local park or participating in a much- mums' night out, you will enjoy the social outlet that these groups offer.

• Getting out of the house will keep you and your little one busy, and it will allow you to meet other mothers as well.
• Check out story times at local libraries and bookstores.
• Mommy and me exercise classes can help you get back in shape while finding new friends.
• Classes on your baby, such as music classes or gymnastics classes, do more than just teach your little one how to socialize and learn: they also allow you to connect with other local mums and you might meet a few friends along the way.

• Network within your community to build relationships with other mums.
• Find out if your church has a support group for first-time mothers.
• Talk to your neighbours about organizing a playgroup that meets once a week.
• Join a parenting organization that you connect with, such as La Leche League Canada.
• Tapping into an existing social network will help you expand your circle of friends.

• Being a new mother does not have to be isolating.
• Creating a supportive circle of mummy friends is achievable if you look in the right places.
• You'll embrace your role as a mother even more when you have supportive friends with whom to share your experiences.