Unless your entire social circle decides to become parents all at the same time, becoming a new parent can be an isolating experience. Emily Barth Isler shares “10 Rules For Picking Up New Mom Friends at the Playground” – tips and encouragement to help you find your community. Be sure to read her complete list! Our favorites are:
3. Overshare
Once you get a good conversation going with a fellow new mom, you can feel free to share your birth story if it comes up. Complain about sleep deprivation. Compare breast pump techniques. Coo about how adorable both of your babies are. You know, say the things you’re not going to say back at the office to Randy from marketing.
4. Ask awkward questions
Not just any awkward questions, of course, but don’t be afraid to talk about things you might usually not broach with strangers. For example, with a regular stranger at a work function, you might not bring up her boobs. With a new mom who you’ve seen nursing her baby at mommy-and-me yoga, feel free to ask how breastfeeding is going. In this case, it’s actually polite. Even if you feel weird, she might be glad you’re giving her a chance to talk about something she’s dealing with or something she’s proud of.
5. Don’t be afraid of rejection
If the new mom you approach at your baby’s music class doesn’t seem into you, give her another chance in a week or two. This is not some weird “don’t take no for an answer” thing; I’m just saying that at this exceptionally overwhelming, emotional, crazy stage in life that we call “new parenthood,” we all have those days where we’re not in the mood to talk or think or be out in the world. So go easy on the seemingly unfriendly mom at the playground and try again another day if she seems more open.
At Babymoon Inn, we have created a safe space to come try these tips out. Join us weekly at the Nest at Babymoon Inn for a wide variety of activities and the opportunity to come make new mom friends! See our calendar for upcoming events.
Babymoon Inn is a full-scope midwifery practice and wellness center with locations in Phoenix and Tucson. Our team is committed to improving maternal outcomes and providing personalized, evidence-based care to all people.