If you’re like me, maybe you had a really rough transition into motherhood. I felt lonely, isolated, misunderstood. I didn’t have the information or support system I needed. I had times where I felt very anxious. I was sleep deprived. I went through an identity crisis. I hated feeling this way.
I found a way to turn my passion into purpose with Hello My Tribe, an online community that connects new and seasoned moms to support one another and take the loneliness/isolation out of motherhood because I do not want other women to feel the way that I did!
Self-care tips for moms
When I was a few months postpartum, I learned about postpartum self-care tips. I’ve shared the full list below, but the first two — joining a mother’s group and staying connected to friends — really stand out to me. I cannot emphasize the importance of having a community and friends enough. Girlfriends are so important for us!
Whenever your mental health feels off, remember these self-care tips help:
- Join a mother’s group!
- Stay connected to friends
- Have quality time for yourself
- Spend time outdoors
- Have an exercise routine
- Eat healthy
- Get sleep
How to make friends online and IRL
One of the biggest pain points I hear from women today is that they’re lonely. Their follow-up question to that is: I don’t know how to make new mom friends or new friends in general. Here’s my advice: It’s a little like dating. It’s a little uncomfortable, but I cannot emphasize how important these friendships are.
You need a support system for what you’re going through right now, especially as a new mom. And thank god things are digital and virtual right now! There are so many options to connect with other like-minded women and find that support and feeling of validated, heard and seen. It’s so possible.
Here’s a guide to virtually connecting with moms:
- Sign up for a virtual nursing support group, postpartum support group, or parenting group
- Try PEPS.org, PipAustin.org, MOPS.org, LLLUSA.org, and HelloMyTribe.com to start your search
- Join your neighborhood listserv to see if there are any new moms who want to connect digitally!
- Find a community on Instagram! @hellomytribe, @motherhoodunderstood, @motherhonestly, @blackmomsbreastfeed are all 👌
- Try these apps: Hello My Tribe, Meetup, Next Door, Bumble BFF… start connecting!
Where to meet other moms in-person (when the time comes):
- Sign up for a nursing support group, postpartum support group, mommy & me classes, parenting groups
- Search community calendars and attend local meet ups
- Visit your local library and bookstore for free programming
- Get involved with your daycare/preschool community
- See if your work has a group for parents (or start one!)
- Ask on your neighborhood listserv if there are moms nearby who want to walk the neighborhood
- Google new mom/parent groups in your city
When it comes to making mom friends, there’s no easy fix: We have to make the effort and get out of our comfort zones. But I promise the benefits majorly outweigh the work! The friendships are completely worth it and connecting mentally and emotionally with others helps us feel less alone.
- Alex Winkleman, founder of Hello My Tribe