Why You Need a Moms Group?

Becoming a new mom is stressful and it can feel like there isn’t enough time in the day already, making spending time with friends and others more difficult. That support is necessary though, and having a moms group is one of the best ways to meet people who are in the same season of life as you, facing the same struggles, and learning the same things. There are several reasons that you need a mom group, including mental health, encouragement, social interaction, and shared experiences.

Mom’s Mental Health

Each pregnancy and birth carry the risk of PPD, which affects every area of life. One of how this is managed is through recognition, reaching out to your care provider, and sharing your experiences with others who understand. This is not the only risk to mental health, as isolation, loneliness, and others are also common, and no one understands this as much as those who are in the same moments and having the same experiences. Being near other women who are having similar struggles can greatly boost mental health, and being open about these conversations and concerns helps to normalize them, and share ideas on how to manage symptoms or keep trying new things even when it’s feeling impossible.

Social groups are necessary for all people, and at this time of life, moms' groups are some of the easiest ways to meet people who are in your area, have similar schedules, and are engaging in the same types of activities. They often have presenters, educational opportunities, and engaging sessions where you will find new products or methods of doing things that will make daily tasks easier. These groups will offer support, and advice, help you feel like you are still part of something even if you are off of work or putting other hobbies on hold, and help to get you out of the house and try new activities.

Encouragement

Even as adults, encouragement and positive feedback are great ways to be reminded that you are doing the right things and that you can take on hard tasks. Parenthood is full of hard moments, tough decisions, and disappointments along with the joy, success, and pride in all the great things that are happening too. A good mom group will be encouraging for all members, sharing ideas and experiences, and reminding each other that things are hard and that you can all do them. Supporting and encouraging each other is one of the key purposes and takeaways from a mom group.

Social Interaction and New FriendsThe time spent together at a vulnerable point in life often brings members of these groups together and helps to form new friendships that last years into the future. Bonding over going through the different stages of infancy and toddler, as well as the coming phases of parenting, is a strong connector and helps to create strong friendships. Social interactions with others in the group will help to break up the week, will bring positive interactions with other adults which are often one of the things that is most missed during the early years of parenting, and will bring comfort and fun. It is during the moments of adult discussion and meetups that you feel most like yourself and are reminded that are a person outside of being a mother. Many also plan programs and outings or experiences that allow you to try new things in the safety of a nonjudgmental space with people who are understanding and in the same life stage as you.

Shared Experiences

Both experiences that are had within the group and the meetups as well as the shared experiences of having babies and children who are the same age, return a sense of normalcy to life. It is through these experiences that you will bond with the others in the group, will be able to share tips and ideas and find empathy and understanding. It is by sharing the struggles that you will be reminded that you are not alone in what you are going through, and this can help to improve mental health, relieve feelings of isolation, and bring a sense of belonging. This can be key to changing the way that the early months and years are experienced for each individual who is part of the group, and those who form lasting friendships may see their children grow up with the others in the group.

Mom groups are a healthy and safe way to find new people and expand both your social circle and your experience during early motherhood. They bring you together with others who will understand the situations you find yourself in, the late nights or early mornings, the changes to your body and the baby, and the emotions that go with them. It helps to reduce isolation and encourages trying new things, meeting new people, and staying socially active. Many will also have meetings that include presenters and information on car seats, safety gear, clothing when to change them to bigger sizes or to change the car seats, as well as workouts or crafts and activities that you can do again with the baby later. The support that is enjoyed through these groups can make life easier and more enjoyable at one of the happiest times and during the biggest struggles.