The past year has been a strange time for mamas-to-be and new mums. Not knowing if your birth partner can attend scans, let alone stay with you through labour has been difficult to say the least. What’s also been tough is not being able to make new mum friends in the same way as usual. With many classes cancelled or moving online, it’s been more of a challenge to make those all-important mum connections. Creating a support network as a new mum is so important though, and even more so at the moment when we might not have family around. With this in mind, here’s our top tips for how you can find and connect with your mama tribe during the pandemic.
JOIN ONLINE CLASSES
Lots of antenatal and baby classes have also moved onto Zoom, so look out for ones where you can be part of a group (not just watch pre recorded content) and everyone is required to have their cameras on! We recommend Bump and Baby and Blossom Antenatal for pregnant mamas. Online classes like pregnancy and postnatal yoga that ‘meet up’ once a week are also really good for making new mum friends. Ask if anyone wants to swap numbers or set up a WhatsApp group.
USE APPS TO CONNECT
Apps like Peanut that allow you to ‘meet’ other mums at the same stage as you and in the same area are really brilliant. It’s a bit like online dating for mums. You can join groups where you can chat with other mums going through the same thing as you – be it teething or third trimester aches and pains, or you can connect with other mamas one-on-one. Instagram is another good place to meet other mums who are into the same things as you.
GET OUTSIDE
Getting out and about with your new baby is really important for your mental health. This is especially true during the pandemic, when new mums are feeling more isolated than usual and rates of postnatal depression are on the rise. You could go for a socially distanced walk with other new mums in your area or look out for an outdoor mum and baby exercise class. Whatever the activity, it’s definitely worth investing in a stroller that works on different terrains. We love the Joie versatrax™, which has all-wheel suspension for a smooth ride.
COFFEE ANYONE?
You might not be able to hang out in a coffee shop right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a takeaway. As long as it’s within the rules, get a cup to-go with one of your new mum friends. Areas with takeaway coffee can get busy though, so a travel system can be really handy. The Joie versatrax™ can be used with the Joie infant carriers gemm™, i-Gemm™, i-Level™, and i-Snug™ and also with other infant carriers using a Maxi-Cosi® style attachment. Pop your little one in the car-seat and when you need to, you can collapse the versatrax™ frame down using the super-easy one hand fold.
LOOK FOR SUPPORT CLOSE TO HOME
And whilst we’re still in lockdown? They say it takes a village, so lean on the other mums around you. FaceTime your own mum, or speak to other mums you know at work – let those around you offer their support. It might be a strange time to become a new mum right now, but with a little bit of help, we definitely don’t have to feel like we’re doing it alone.
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