Finding Your Mom (Support) Group

August 1, 2021

Baby on Telephone Communication Finding Support

Becoming a mom is one of the most incredible privileges. From that first cry to those first steps and everything in between, there is so much to celebrate and be thankful for. However there are moments when being a mom can feel a bit isolating. Having a go-to moms support system is not a luxury but more of a necessity as we navigate the ins and outs of motherhood.

From deep dives on how to alleviate swelling and stretch marks to baby poop, and, of course, the best diaper brands, there are just some discussions only moms can chime in on. Call it a support circle, a network, a mommy minute, or a mommy playgroup; we all need them.

So how do you go about finding your own? Here are our recommendations for establishing your mom community, whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned professional.

Local Support Groups:

Local mom groups are one of the best ways to connect with other parents conveniently and consistently.

Thankfully, there are a number of online resources that direct you to all types of mom support circles. Here are some you can dive right into!

MOMS: Mothers Offering Mothers Support Club: This brilliant support group was established for stay-at-home moms. They have identified themselves as the “first, largest and fastest-growing support group specifically for all moms at home.” They offer individual local chapters that organize activities from babysitting coops to holiday parties and more.
Holistic Moms Network: Founded in New Jersey, this network of moms was developed with the mission of creating a safe, encouraging community where families can find support for natural living and gentle parenting.
Mocha Moms: this is the “premier voice for mothers of color”. This wonderful group provides support for moms of color throughout their motherhood journey. They have chapters located throughout the US. Search on their site to find one near you.
La Leche League: Is a popular support group for breastfeeding moms. They have their own breastfeeding helpline available 24 hours a day and also offer local chapters! Be sure to check them out!
MOPS: Moms of Preschoolers: is a local group that has thousands of chapters around the United States. They offer support groups and resources for moms of kids of all ages.
Mothers and More: This group was created especially for moms who have left the paid workforce and are looking for support in all areas of motherhood. They also offer support for moms looking for work again after being home. You can find a local chapter right on their site or if you’re inspired to do so, start one of your own!
Multiples of America: Supports moms with multiple birth children. They have a fairly large network and offer education as well as local chapters for you to find and connect with other mamas who have multiples.

Virtual Support Groups:

Virtual support groups offer a whole new set of options for connecting with pals digitally.

Facebook groups are widely popular (there is basically a group for everything mom you can think of) and there are many local groups that provide the opportunity to turn virtual friends into live connections.

Instagram accounts that cater to mamas are another fun way to connect with and find moms. Aside from Facebook and Instagram, here are other online communities created to support moms that you can join.

Mommy Poppins: great for finding local events where you can connect with other moms (can you connect digitally with moms too? If not I would move this up!)
Cafe Mom: A popular mom blog spot that has loads of articles from moms who own their own businesses to camps for kids and so much more.
POP Sugar Family: has both a blog and a Facebook group where you can discuss their informative articles relevant for all moms

Out of the Box Support Circles

For some new moms, connecting with other moms online isn’t the best fit. Moms can struggle with postpartum depression or newfound feelings of “mommy guilt”.

This particular cocktail of emotions can make opening up and connecting with strangers online feel a bit awkward or even exhausting.

But finding your mom’s support group won’t necessarily have the name “mom support group” in it. Just being willing to show up to group events, like story time at the local library, and open to connecting with others can create lasting bonds beginning with shared experiences.

So if the online scene isn’t something that you want or feel ready to dive into, there are other options.

Sign up for story time at your local library, a mommy and me music group, gymnastics classes, or playgroups are great ways to connect weekly with other moms.

Create your Own Mom Support Group

If you haven’t found a support group that you connect with, and you know other moms (or one mom who knows other moms) then why not start one of your very own?

Whether it’s just you and a close friend or a whole group of moms, creating your own support group gives you full autonomy.

Other benefits to starting your own group include the potential to have your kids on scheduled playdates (bonus!). This gives both you and your child a chance to play and connect with others.

Organizing your very own mommy support group doesn’t take too much coordination either. Simply decide what works best for you and change up the location here and there.

Here are some other ideas to consider when creating up your own mom support group:

If you work, you can try setting up a moms group with co-workers who are also parents.
If your child goes to daycare or school, put an email out to the parents to set up a time to get together over the weekend (with or without kids).
To build a connection between friends, you can create your group around friends who have kids of similar ages, interests, and schedules.
Look at the online or local connections you’ve made to see who you would love to include in your group as you grow.

As your child grows and develops, you’ll find that your needs for support will change too. Just as your circle of friends may have shifted through the years, your group will grow and move.

It’s important to remember why you started meeting with this crew of moms to begin with and if it’s time to move in another direction, you should do so.

Mom circles should be a space where you can unwind, reconnect and reassure yourself and other mommas.

Wrapping Up: Finding What you Need for Support:

For us mommas at Mum & You, mom support circles were a major pillar to the balance of all things motherhood. From getting those important “insider mom tips” (like finding the best eco-friendly baby products) to having no-nonsense, nonjudgmental conversations on breastfeeding, mom groups provide confidence, connection, laughter, and an essential sounding board for when you need it most.