Suddenly catapulted into the world of motherhood, bringing home your first baby is at once overwhelming and life altering. For about nine months, you plan, you prepare, you think through what you need in your home and nursery, and you read lots and lots of parenting books, all the while waiting expectantly to meet your teeny, tiny person. When she arrives, though, everything changes in an instant. Priorities shift, decisions are made, and everything you thought you knew and understood about life – even about parenting – shifts.
This massive shift, coupled with the fact that most paternity leaves are two weeks or less (my husband took two days), can make the transition to motherhood very lonely. Even though I had support from family and friends, I found it difficult to connect with other moms after I had my daughter, and the entire 9-10 hour day without my husband stretched on seemingly endlessly. I felt a little lonely and a little overwhelmed, but a lot in love with my baby.
From what I have grown to understand, these types of reactions and feelings are common as people transition into parenthood. Throughout the stages of having a newborn and finding one’s groove as a mom, it is often helpful for new moms to connect with other moms around her. In this way, she can gain insight and support, combat loneliness, and (hopefully) form lasting friendship – not to mention, have some fun during the day!
But how is a new mom supposed to meet other moms in Southwest Florida? It can be difficult, but the most important thing I’ve found is that you just have to put yourself (and your baby) out there, attend events where you don’t know anyone else, and walk up to other moms and introduce yourself. This can be a nerve wracking and uncomfortable process for some, especially when you throw sleep deprivation into the mix. But when all is said and done, we parents have a lot in common – and we have a lot we can learn from one another.
Here are a few places and events that are typically great opportunities for connecting with other moms:
• www.MeetUp.com. Create a free profile and learn about various events going on for parents in Southwest Florida. Lots of neat things are posted and advertised on here – specifically, fitness opportunities for new moms, new moms’ monthly coffee dates, and play dates at the Children’s Museum of Naples. This is a great way to find out about low-key events geared towards new parents specifically.
• MOPS Chapters (Mothers of Preschoolers). MOPS is a faith-based organization that provides support and encouragement for mothers of preschool-aged children. MOPS groups include regularly scheduled meetings, which typically included time to get to know the other moms there, along with other activities. There are several chapters throughout Southwest Florida that meet throughout the week. Contact the individual churches for more information.
– Center Point Community Church. First and third Wednesdays of the month, 6 PM to 7:30 PM. (239) 261-7486.
– Life Christian Church. Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. (239) 304-5483.
– First Baptist Church of Naples. First and third Thursdays of the month, 9:15 AM to 11:30 AM. (239) 287-3371,
• Collier County Public Library. Attend one of the “Mother Goose Story Times” for babies aged 3 months to 15 months at one of the Collier County Public Library branches. Story times geared towards babies are 30 minutes in length. Reach out to other parents while you are there.
• Faith-Based Activities for Women. A few area churches offer non-denominational faith-based programs specifically geared towards women. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, or on maternity leave, attending one of these programs can be a great way to connect with other moms.
– Community Bible Study, Tuesdays 9:15 AM to 11:30 AM at Center Point Community Church. (239) 261-7486.
– Bible Study Fellowship, Mondays 6:55 PM to 9:00 PM at Covenant Church of Naples. (239) 597-1412.
• Baby Bootcamp Classes. I’ve written about this fantastic class in the past – it is an amazing way to connect with other moms while getting your pre-baby body back! This group meets throughout the week to exercise outdoors with their babies (bring your jogging stroller) at the Mercato, Venetian Village, and Miromar Outlets, and they usually get together afterwards for coffee. It is a close-knit, fun community for moms. For more information, call (239) 560-6893.
As a new mom, connecting with other moms (new or seasoned) is essential! These are some ways I’ve found effective in getting to know moms and developing a community. A friend of mine with three children encouraged me, “The days may feel long, but the years are short.” Time flies by when you become a mom; enjoy those long days and combat loneliness as best you can. And, if you’d like to meet up with me and my daughter one day, feel free to reach out on social media … or meet me at Fleischmann Park. We’re usually there on Thursday mornings!