When you’re a new mum, venturing out of the house with your newborn can be a daunting task. I remember it quite well even though it was 4 years ago.
I worried that I wouldn’t be able to get the capsule out and once I got it out, I wouldn’t be able to click it and strap it back in.
I worried about the pram. What if I couldn’t get the damn thing up? What if I couldn’t remember how to get it back down again?
I worried about where I was going to breastfeed. What if we had a poo explosion? What if I ran out of nappies?
What if we had a car accident?
Honestly the running commentary in my head was enough to keep me contained in my home for years.
But when my first born was 6 weeks old, I did venture by myself to a mother’s group.
It was the best venturing decision I made.
Hanging out with other new mums was a great way for me to have some adult conversation, even if it was all about how we were caring for our babies. There were mums who had been through the gig a few times before which made them great to talk to about whatever struggle I was going through at that particular time.
I developed new friendships and it meant I had a trip out of the house.
In the early months, mother’s groups are really more for your connection than for your baby’s. As they get older, they do get acquainted with each other and you may find yourself invited to a fair few first Birthday parties the following year.
Being a mum can be an isolating experience. Often we can struggle in silence. But a Mother’s Group is a great way to get support when you need it most by mums who get what you’re going through.
The key to having a successful mother’s group experience is finding a group that suits your needs and meets at a time that works for your baby. There is no point getting stressed trying to wake your baby or keep your baby awake so you can get to a group.
It’s also important to find a mum’s group with an atmosphere you enjoy. Don’t push yourself in going to a group that makes you feel inferior as a mum. That’s not what mother’s groups are about.
The best way to find a mother’s group is to ask your mum friends for recommendations in your area. You hospital may also point you in the right direction in finding a mother’s group to suit your needs.
The next best place is to do an online search for mother’s groups. Just be aware that playgroups are run differently to mother’s groups. Mother’s groups tend to be a more relaxed run environment as opposed to playgroups. But playgroups may have a directory of mother’s groups that you can be apart of.
Are you a part of a mother’s group? How did you find your current group?
Went 3 times 6 years ago. Hated it, have 3 kids and unless i had a mums group of close friends then I’ll never go again lol wasn’t a nice experience for me.. women get way too clicky and leave the newbies to feel left out and awkward ( in my experience )
Yes, if ur lucky like I was, they’re a great group of ladies & a huge support!!
For some it is a lifeline to resources, advice and much needed adult social interaction. Nothing feels better when in a new country you state your problem and 10 others make you feel so normal 🙂
I’m still friends with the mothers of my mothers group there we 3 of us and that was 9 years ago, they were a huge support and still are.
I’m an introvert and never felt right going to a mother’s group. Ive seen a few groups that have been a great support for mums that may have needed it – after 4 kids I know I chose the right path for me not to continue mother’s group – some are just little social bitch sessions focused on who has the cutest, smartest most advanced child…. kids are all different and shouldn’t be compared and no mother should ever say to another “isn’t he/she doing that yet? My child started doing that ages ago” I know that they can be great and positive but they are not for everyone.
I have greatly enjoyed my mothers groups and have gained life long friends out of them.
Depends on the people. It’s not for everyone
I loved my mothers group!! Even though we are so busy with life and don’t meet up as much as we would like, I will be forever grateful to all of them for easing me into motherhood!! Xxxxx hope you girls are all good xxxx Cathy, René, Rebecca, Lisa, Karina, Alissa, Ali, Mandi, Elenor, Lauren & Amy xx
Yep totally. just so you know you’re not alone in your parenting struggles/triumphs. You really need to find a good one. Or maybe an online one if person to person is not for you
No choice here as there are no mother’s groups in our suburb. If you had access to one and liked the other mums consider yourself lucky.
Umm no anyways to judgmental & to busy comparing what level there child’s at compared to yours