Photo Credit: Popofatticus

One of our tasks as mothers is to make sure we have a strong support network in place. In traditional societies, this can be easier! Child-care is more communal than in our western culture. Women are constantly exposed to birth, lactation, and baby care through friends and relatives. This is beneficial for women not only because they are better prepared to be mothers, but they have more hands-on help when they do enter motherhood. In the United States, most women do not live in tight-knit communities and may live hundreds of miles away from their mothers. It is harder for women to trust each other because they may not share a common belief system (regarding parenting, religion, etc). Despite the difficulties, it is important that American women seek out a group of like-minded women. The group will provide valuable emotional support and make mothering more fun.

10 WAYS TO FORM A STRONG SUPPORT NETWORK

1. Join a meetup group. After I had my first child, I became friends with several moms in my stay-at-home moms meetup group. There are meetups for work-at-home moms, breastfeeding moms, christian moms, homebirthing moms, and working moms to name just a few. There is something for everyone and if there isn’t, start your own!

2. Birth with a Midwife. You and your midwife are likely to have a long-standing relationship that lasts well beyond your postpartum period. Some midwives even host holiday parties or barbecues so their clients can meet one another.

3. Attend La Leche Meetings. This is a great place to meet pregnant moms just starting out and moms that have already had a few babies. Find your LLL Chapter.

4. Talk with Women at Work. Becoming a mom is an important rite of passage. You might find that you have something in common now with different women in your workplace. They can be an excellent source of support.

5. Look up Old Friends Who Have Had Children. You may not be the first one in your peer group to have a baby. Perhaps there is a friend you lost touch with after she had a baby. Give her a call.

6. Online Forums or Blogs. Believe it or not, online forums and blogs can be a source of support for natural mothering. Many women enjoy connecting with like-minded women on the web. Mothering.com is a great place to start.

7. Church. Many churches host playgroups for stay-at-home moms during the week. You might also connect with parents in the lobby on Sunday when you are trying to quiet your fussy baby!

8. Local Museums or Libraries. You may see the same women week after week at library story time. Don’t forget to introduce yourself!

9. Childbirth Class. Make an effort to get to know the women in your childbirth class. Write down their email addresses and phone numbers so you can reconnect later.

10. Hire a doula. Not only do doulas provide valuable labor and/or postpartum support, they can direct you to local resources for new moms. Find a doula.