In most urban settings there exists this unique entity called "Mommy Groups".  Often they are formal gatherings run by a child development specialist, an early childhood educator, or a parenting advisor.  Sometimes they are an informal get together of new moms, which is regularly scheduled and may rotate from house to house.  In either case they have become a valuable part of our culture and of the experience of raising children.  I hear grandparents laugh about all the scheduling and "groups" of the little ones and they will say, "We never had anything like this when our kids were little.  We just went to a neighbor's house or we stayed at home." I have also spoken to women in more rural settings who are isolated from other mothers and for whom the drive to get to and from a group would be prohibitive.

The result of this new wave (I use "new" loosely as the formal nature of these groups have been around for a couple of decades) is an invaluable support network for new mothers.  Participating in these groups gives women the opportunity to share ideas, gain knowledge, vent about how tired they are from sleep deprivation, and even to talk about other aspects of their life besides motherhood.  Relationships are formed and sometimes those friendships endure long past their offspring's childhood years.

Valuable information is exchanged at various stages of the development of a child such as: sleep training, how to get through teething, feeding, information on appropriate toys, separation anxiety, and even relationship tips about how to put sex back into your marriage in the midst of exhaustion and after having given birth.  While one could certainly obtain this type of information elsewhere, coming together in a supportive environment with other women has been shown to be an extremely effective way of disseminating this information and of giving new moms a sense of self-confidence as they take on the job of parenting in a modern world.

Some women return to work soon after the birth of their child and are therefore reluctant to enroll in an on-going group or feel that they simply don't have the time.  There are usually groups available for working moms which are held on the weekends and where the discussion of what it is like to be a working mom is a common topic.

I want to encourage all new moms to make use of this valuable resource.  Not only does it enhance the joyful component of motherhood it can help to reduce post-partum depression and generally alleviate the feeling of loneliness that can accompany the transition into becoming a mother. In addition, you may make some wonderful new friends and your child may also begin friendships with people they may be close to throughout their life.

If you are unsure how to access these groups look to your local community center, preschool, or religious institution.  Often they will hold new mommy groups on their premises or be able to direct you to a group near-by.  You can check on-line in your area for local groups or even ask your pediatrician to recommend a support or playgroup to you.  If you don't connect with the moms in the 1^st group you try, don't become discouraged just try another group.  Ultimately you will find one that is the right fit for you and your child and you will be grateful that you did.