How to Make New Mom Friends in 18+ Places: Part 2
On October 7, 2020 by Megan FolsomIf you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, make sure to check out part 1 here for more ideas and tips for making friends more easily. Now, let’s dive in to the rest of the list…
Local mom groups
If you didn’t know, Facebook is actually an amazing tool for mom groups. I’m in several for my local area and it has been a great resource for finding doctors, chiropractors and other recommendations. I always see posts from moms introducing themselves and looking to connect with other similar moms. Several moms from these groups have be-friended me and it’s a great place to go where you know that others are actively seeking friends out too.
Additionally, this website has links for 10 national mom groups that have small, local chapters and meet-ups around the US.
Pregnant or Postpartum Classes
There are so many different classes geared towards specific groups of moms. Many gyms offer these classes and other studios often cater solely to this groups. Look into signing up for yoga, barre, cycling and other classes that are for pregnant and postpartum moms. After having my baby, a local mom group hosted a postpartum mom and baby barre class and it was so much fun! I actually exchanged info with a couple moms and was able to meet a lot of new moms with young kids. This is a fantastic way to find others in the same stage as you!
Waiting Rooms
When you have kids, you know that you have SO many checkups and appointments, especially when you’re pregnant and during their first year! Take advantage of the long waiting room waits. It’s so funny how kids have the easiest time making new friends! Whenever other kids are in the waiting room with us, they always come over to say hi to me or Trussler. This is an easy in to start making conversation and include their mom. Follow the tips in the Park section in this post for more ideas on how to start up a friendly conversation without seeming awkward.
Specific Gym Times & Workout Classes
Obviously, you should go when you can but also try to be as strategic about timing as you can. Try to specifically go during the day time when moms would be there while their kids are at school. Many gyms also have limited childcare hours; if you go during those hours (whether you bring yours or not), you are likely to meet other moms. This definitely works in other ways too: working moms looking to meet other working moms may prefer to go early in the morning before work or in the evening after work.
Hospital Classes
Our hospital offered a birthing class for a small fee and our class was full of 10+ other couples. It was so fun to talk to other couples who were in the exact same stage and going through similar emotions and changes. You had to be at least 34 weeks pregnant, so we were all due within a few weeks of each other. Plus, the hospital offered a couple of other classes for newborn essentials and breastfeeding.
After having Trussler, we were also invited by the two hospitals in our area to their free groups. Both were specifically for new moms and their babies under 1. They had special guests sometimes to teach you useful things, weekly meetups and other fun events.
Don’t forget to read part 3 for the rest of the list of places, and be sure to join the mailing list for updates below!