making

new friends

Once the tide of eager visitors has ebbed a little, new mums often find that they need some adult company. Don’t be shy: meeting new friends is a great way to find support and advice, and have fun.
During the first couple of weeks of your baby's life, you'll have lots of company: your partner may take some time off work, family and friends will be popping in, and the health visitor will drop by. But once things settle down a bit, you might find yourself spending most of the day on your own with your new baby. It's only natural to feel a bit lonely. But don't worry - you're not alone and everything you feel is completely normal.
all in the same boat
One of the best ways to beat loneliness is to meet other women with new babies. They will be in exactly the same situation as you, worrying about whether they are doing things 'right'. It's very reassuring to know that other mums also struggle to decide which nappies to use, or panic about never getting their figure back! It's good, too, to feel that it's OK to talk non-stop about your baby without boring the other person. New mums are also likely to be available during the day, when your other friends are busy at work.
out and about
If you're feeling a bit stuck indoors, put your baby in the buggy and head for the nearest shopping centre, or a local coffee shop where women with babies tend to gather (10.30am and 3pm are good 'mum times'). Don't be scared to start up a conversation, perhaps by asking for information or advice. Any new mother will be delighted to tell you where she bought her baby's outfit, or to share her new parenting knowledge.
There are lots of ways to meet new mums. It can sometimes seem difficult to make the first approach, but you will reap the benefits in tips, help, advice and friendship. So, go on, bite the bullet and see just how happy other new mums will be to get to know you too.
find a friend
There are lots of ways to meet new mums.
It can sometimes seem difficult to make the
first approach, but you will reap the benefits
in tips, help, advice and friendship.
Sometimes your new friends won't be available at precisely the moment you need a chat or want to ask a question. So why not go online?
Gurgle.com is the web's friendliest community for new parents, with chat forums, great parenting knowledge, and plenty of people happy to share their advice and personal experiences.
Best of all, Gurgle is always there for you – so if you're awake in the wee hours of the morning and need to get something off your chest, you can always log on and offload!
Meet other expectant or new mums in the same position as you.
The health clinic, where you go every week to have your baby weighed or to get advice, is a great place to meet other new mums. Some clinics also run workshops on specific topics like weaning, baby massage and first aid. Having spent an hour or so discussing an issue with other mums, it's easy to suggest continuing the conversation over a coffee
Notice boards at clinics are always worth checking for coffee mornings, relaxation classes and other events for new mothers. If you want to meet someone who shares a particular interest of yours – yoga or massage, for example – then ask the health visitor if she knows of any specific groups in your area. The local paper will also list events
Local activity groups offer a wide range of fun activities for you and your baby. From play with music sessions to baby yoga and baby massage and swimming, you and your baby will enjoy bonding together and meeting other new parents.