Parenting Network= Invaluable!

After a great morning with local friends (kids and moms), and a great moms night out earlier this week :-)... I am reminded just how invaluable a parenting network is.  I am eternally grateful for the wonderful families we've met and friendships we've made thus far in our parenting journey.  Knowing that someone will bring us a meal when we're in need, or watch our kids in a pinch, and having great people to do activities with is amazing!

Forget all the gear, the one piece of advice that I would give expecting parents (I know I promised I wouldn't give advice) is build a parenting network.  Being a new parent can be a lonely place.....you are tired (beyond imagine), pleasantly plump from carrying your little miracle, and feeling totally inadequate at the whole parenting gig...(or at least I felt that way...) ..don't get me wrong, you're also completely in love with this new being and beyond excited, but there are many times when its easier to just stay home in the same sweats then to get out and meet people.  But I promise you, that your future self will thank you 10x over for getting out and forging those friendships!  I promise you that all the moms (parents) are just as tired and feeling the exact same way, and knowing that you are not alone is amazing!

There are so many great ways to get out and meet other parents and babies... But here are some ideas:

• Hospital/Birth Center organized postpartum groups
• Breastfeeding Support Groups (if applicable)
• Pregnancy/birth support organizations
• Playgroups
• Mom and Baby Yoga class (when your body is ready)

And as they get older....

• Gym classes/open gyms
• Music classes
• Library/bookstore story times
• Playgrounds
• YMCA

My husband teases me about facebook use, but there are also some terrific virtual parenting and support groups online and on facebook too!

** If you are in Maine, both Portland hospitals have fantastic breastfeeding support groups, and Maine Med has a Mothering Circle that is open to all new moms.  Also strongly recommend checking out Birth Roots!

Feeling thankful on this Friday!

Rebecca