new mum in lockdown, AIBU to think I'm going to struggle to make mum friends now?

[Peterbishopssarcasticsmile]

DS was born at Christmas. We went to a couple of baby groups just before lockdown kicked in, but not enough to really get to know anyone or swap numbers etc. We did NCT but moved just before DS was born so we live at the other end of the country now to those people I met and got chummy with.
I have a couple of friends locally who have got older children (preschool age) but I'm starting to worry a bit about how I'm going to meet a social circle here with no baby groups or activities at the moment
Realistically I know DS will be fine as they can deal with minimal social interaction until they're a bit older but I almost feel a bit panicky about it, like I'm letting him down - I've seen people on here say they've started meeting up with friends who have kids the same age, but I'd only have any :(

Anyone else in the same boat and feeling the same? His first birthday suddenly doesn't seem so far away and he hasn't seen another child since he was old enough to be more aware of what's going on around him. He's a very friendly baby so I think he will hopefully be fine when we can eventually meet people but I'm worried it's going to make him really shy and clingy as he's going to have spent so much time with just me and DH and not be used to other people.
A minor worry in the grand scheme of things I know but it's playing on my mind

I *don't have any

Try not to worry too much. Easier said than done I know but don't forget that all the other babies born to first time mums at the same time are largely in the same boat. Often your work friends and pre-kids friends are a totally different set of people. And as we all get back into the mad new world there'll be others like you, all looking to make friends.

Do you have a local on line forum? There is one where I live and it's very active. I didn't need to do this as was lucky to get on with NCT friends but I regularly see posits on there from people with babies born around the same time looking to meet up / get to know others in the same boat (as important for you as for the babies if I recall!)

I do get that the meeting up part is more complex now but do-able if you find a few people you get on with who have same age DC. As someone else said- you certainly won't be alone in this. Good luck!

What groups were you planning on going to. Go on their Facebook pages ànd introduce yourself. Ask if anyone else wants to meet for a socially distanced picnic. That's what people are doing around here.

Locally there are also lots of zoom baby groups and NCT classes etc. Also good for making friends to meet up with later on.

It won't do your baby any harm but it's hard on you. I really feel for first time mums having babies at this time. I just hope that they eventually start allowing these groups again.

I'm with you, I had ds in April and it has been so lonely!

There's a Facebook group called The Motherload and they have an offshoot group called MoLo mates, for mums in exactly this situation to meet others. it's really lovely and friendly, I met one of my nicest friends on there a few years ago.

There is an app called Mush which is for parents to make friends. I met some people from it during my maternity leave and would recommend it as it is other mums who want to enhance their social circle too.

Yes I really understand how you’re feeling. My baby is 8 weeks old. I didn’t get to do any prenatal groups and I’m missing being able to take him out and show him off. Have tried some online stuff but it’s not quite the same. There’s a few apps which are quite good for meeting local mums and I’ve got talking to some nice people on there, and planning to meet up for a walk this coming week. Maybe give those a try :)

Try the Mush app - I made my main ‘mum friends’ on there. I made myself be brave and organised a local meet-up in a park (pre Covid!) but I know they are working hard to arrange online things to help new mums ‘meet’ other local mums.

Second mush like others and what about the local nct? I moved when my son was 10 months and my local branch did coffees and walks etc.

I didn't leave the house with my daughter until 7 months and there were others just venturing out then too so we made friends.

You'll be the same. As soon as baby groups start again everyone will be desperate to see people and make friends. In the mean time have you looked on Facebook for local groups that might be running online. I know our Welsh groups are doing free online baby massage via zoom for example. Good luck.

I feel similar but DS is three so hard to keep him 2m away. You could definitely go on local parent Facebook groups or mush/peanut and find another new Mum to go for a walk with?

It's really hard though, I found being a new parent very lonely and I needed classes to get me out of the house and around other adults.

Honestly, I wouldn’t worry too much about the issue of meeting people in the future as there will be loads of people in the same boat.
My friend (who I met at a local group) and I were saying the other day that there will be an influx of new faces at our group when it is back on as so many babies will have been born. It will be weird as our babies were classed as some of the young‘uns but they can both walk now!

If you are struggling with the lack of social interaction RIGHT NOW that’s a different (and valid) matter.