It wasn’t that long ago that most people lived in the town where they grew up and came from larger families, both of which meant a built-in network of support, knowledge, and care for anyone having their first baby.

I’m a great example of how that’s no longer the case. As an only child who didn’t live near any of their extended family growing up, my son was the first newborn I ever held. And initially, Google was my primary support network. It didn’t take long for me to be acutely aware that I needed far more than that. I needed connections with local moms who were going through the same thing as I was, and when I couldn’t find it, I create it. Honestly, it was one of the best things I did as a new mother. We took walks together, had group play dates, compared notes, shared things we might not tell anyone else, and built friendships that last to this day.

As a new or soon-to-be parent, the importance of finding or forming a trusted and empathetic support network can’t be overstated. From emotional support and practical advice to insight into valuable resources and providers, building a village of other parents of newborns is critical to the wellbeing of you, your baby, and your family.

Emotional Support

The postpartum period (and parenthood in general) is a rollercoaster of emotions, from overwhelming joy to moments of doubt and exhaustion. Having a support network of fellow parents provides a safe space to share those feelings without fear of judgment. Whether it’s commiserating over sleepless nights or celebrating milestones, knowing that others are experiencing similar highs and lows can be incredibly reassuring.

Knowledge Sharing

Caring for a newborn comes with a steep learning curve. From feeding and sleeping schedules to soothing techniques and developmental milestones, there’s a lot to absorb in a short amount of time. This is where the collective wisdom of a support network shines.

By connecting with other parents, new moms, dads, and partners gain access to a wealth of firsthand experiences and insights. Whether it’s tips for easing colic, tricks for getting a baby to sleep through the night, or recommendations for baby gear, fellow parents offer invaluable knowledge that can help navigate the challenges of newborn care more confidently.

Connections to Resources and Providers

Navigating the vast array of resources and providers available to new parents can be overwhelming. From pediatricians and lactation consultants to childcare facilities and parent education programs, the options seem endless and evaluating them all is nearly impossible. Comparing notes with other parents provides a valuable network for sharing recommendations and connecting with trusted professionals.

Whether it’s finding a pediatrician who shares your parenting philosophy or discovering a pelvic floor PT that’s 5 minutes from your house, fellow parents can offer firsthand insights and recommendations that streamline the process of finding and accessing resources you need.

Sense of Community

Caring for a newborn can mean missing out on social activities that used to fill your schedule, which can make new parents feel isolated. Spending time with other new parents provides a sense of community and belonging that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Whether you’re running late because of a nap or walking in with spit-up on your shirt, you’ll quickly find that no one is more understanding and welcoming than other moms who are going through the exact same things that you are.

Making It Happen For Yourself

So, how do you go about finding or building a support network of fellow parents? Fortunately, there are lots of options for finding or forging these vital connections:

• Parenting Classes and Workshops: Many communities and providers offer prenatal and postnatal classes where expectant and new parents can meet and connect with others in similar stages of life.
• Local Meetup Groups: You can find groups for parents on websites like Meetup.com. They can cater to moms, dads, single parents, LGBTQIA+ families, parents of twins or babies with special needs, you name it. And the best part is that if you can’t find something that already exits, you can create your own like I did. Chances are, you’re not the only one looking for what you are. It’s also important to remember that quality is more important than quantity; even if you only make a handful of connections, if they’re meaningful, they’re valuable.
• Hospital or Birthing Center Programs: Some hospitals and birthing centers offer support groups or parent education programs for new parents to connect with others who have recently welcomed a baby.
• Reaching Out to Friends and Family: Don’t underestimate the value of personal connections. Reach out to friends, family members, or coworkers who have a baby or one on the way and express your interest in forming a support or social network.
• Attending a Babies & Bumps Event in Your City: Of course, I needed to include this one. Finding support and connecting with others is one of the primary reasons I started Babies & Bumps back in 2013. I’m always touched to hear stories from our attendees about how they met other new parents and formed friendships through our events.

By building a network of fellow parents, new moms and dads can find solace, strength, and solidarity in the shared experience of raising a baby. From emotional reassurance and practical tips to community connections and product recommendations, these connections will be among the most valuable and treasured you make. So, reach out, connect, and embark on this incredible journey… together.