How can I meet other new mums?

[Munz]

We're on an army estate, and I go to baby massage with Joey but it's only a 5 week course and should be started from when they're 8 weeks - i've been taking him from 4, (I didn't realise this at the time) and I can't stop on for the next course with the other 8 week olds. :(

any other places to meet new mums? I don't want to be all alone stuck in doors with a baby. :(

have you tried meet a mum assc?
are there any national childbirth groups near you?
baby and toddler groups?

what about going to the baby clinic at the drs? There are always other mums waiting to be seen at ours, and it is easy to strike up a conversation. Also, it may seem like there is a big gap between Joey and the other babies at the massage class, but in a few weeks time the differences will be much less obvious. My first was the youngest of my baby group, and I really benefitted from the advice of the mums who were just a few weeks further down the line. Could you invite the baby massage mums round for a coffee at the end of the course, maybe try and make it at the same time as the course was but the following week so meeting up just carries on. I would have hated to be isolated too, so hope you make some good relationships soon

Does your local health authority run any postnatal classes? I met a couple of other mums there (well, I met a lot, but a couple of them I still see regularly).

Does your local library have a weekly nursery time session? That was also a good place to strike up conversations.

Plus network frantically with those other mothers you do know, even if you don't think you're destined to be bosom buddies. They'll know other mothers, through antenatal classes / other postnatal classes / living near each other, and you can get introductions to those other mothers who may well turn out to be bosom buddies.

I agree that as you move on a 4-week gap isn't going to be much, so do try to keep in with the baby massage mums -- as PandaG says, keeping the same weekly slot but for coffee instead of massage may be a good plan.

post natal exercise class, nct coffee mornings (Bumps and babes ?), hv's sometimes run a local group of new mums to discuss weaning, health issues including basic first aid, local facilities such as libraries and sports, creches etc, did you have an antenatal group any of whom you are still in contact with ?

we had antinatal but I didn't go to them - they changed them all about when I was 28 weeks and due to start them then we had the xmas break, Joey was early and we got things a bit muddled, the only one I went to was with partners. akaik ther'sd no post natal groups.

the mum's at the baby massage are all a lot older as well - which doesn't bother me so much but I do feel rather young by companiron. I was going to try the swimming classes to see how that goes in town, not sure about the libary.

we have our 8 week check next week so I'll ask my H/V then where else I can go to meet mums - tbh without sounding snobby I didn't want to meet other army mums as we move on every 3 years, and the 5/6 mums I did know have now all moved on :(

Hi Munz, know how you feel - am in Australia having moved there from UK at 30 weeks preggers, then hubby was fired from the job that relocated us from the UK so have just moved to another city in Aus and have to start all over again with DH 8 months old. All the stuff on this thread seems like great advice. Just go to loads of things - baby gym / gymbaroo, mums n bubs yoga, baby music group etc. I haven't met a new BF yet but I'm sure there will be one just around the corner. Anything organised is good if you are shy because you know you will see people again next week and it gives you a chance to say 'Hi' a few times before plucking up the courage to swap phone numbers. Cos we have moved to this new city and I am, frankly, gagging to meet people, I have forced myself to go against my natural shyness and I am trying to introduce myself to people, swap numbers etc much more quickly than I used to. What's the worst that can happen? I know it feels scary like asking someone for a date, but you just have to go for it!

Good idea to ask your HV, keep at it and ask everyone you know about what's on for mums& bubs locally: ask at the chemist, the drs, other pram-pushers in the park / cafe /checkout queue. New mums are in the same boat and seem to be a friendly lot and always welcoming! In the mean time keep chatting to your virtual mates on MN! Good luck!

HI Munz, have you looked on the Meet Ups section on here? There's bound to be some Mums meeting in your area. Or start a thread of your own asking if anyone wants to meet up (bite the bullet, I had to when we moved to a new area 2 years ago, and have met some lovely Mums through Mumsnet).

munzie ask your HV about baby and toddler play groups. About swimming or signing sessions. Also ask about if there is a sure start scheme in your area.
Also put a shout out for other mners in your area. Joining a site like netmums as well is good as they are regionalised so you will meet other mums in your area. Wish I lived closer hun as would deffo meet up with you.

Hi again Munz just saw yr post on the Meet Ups section, can't believe you're in Pembs - although I'm in Aus now, I'm from Haverfordwest. Hope you find some mates soon, wish I could come and make you a cuppa and take our prams for a walk along Newgale.

Hi Mammapossum - where are you?
I am in Bris ( but am British) and have been lucky enough to meet loads of mums through child health clinics - regular weekly meetups and the ususal Gymbaree, etc.
Also check out the ex-pats in Oz thread on MN. ( Not sure how to do a link )
Good luck Munz - sounds like lots of great suggestions here.

yummimummy - which Gymboree do you go to in Bris?? May have seen you there....

Ha that would be funny
We used to go to Indooroopilly on a Tuesday in the crawlers class til about 4 months ago ( when DD was 6 months old) - not since.
Before that I went to the newborn class on a Thurs at 10.45 for a few weeks.
I'm thinking about starting at Kindyroo when she is 1, which is closer to us and at a convenient time.
Do you still go to Gymboree?

Yep, ds does music and play gymboree. He is about to move up to the Gym Kids one - the eldest class. We are at Sunnybank though. Was thinking of cutting back, but he does enjoy it, and figured it was something we can still do and take the baby along too. Sorry for thread hijack - though I suppose is relevant, I have met other mothers at gymboree.

I know what you mean about being frustrated making friends with the other Army wives, only for them to move on, but I'd persevere with them too. They will understand what your life is like, and the demands of your dh's job. I also think that Forces wives make firm friends more quickly, as you don't always have a lot of time. DH is Navy, and my dad is in the RAF. My mum now seems to know somebody everytime she moves because she made an effort to meet people on previous stations. Is there a M+T group at your HIVE?

thanks guys, there's a M&T group yes it's 75p all u can drink coffee and free transport - i'm cautious of Joey only being 7 weeks - is it worht a wonder a long just incase?

I'm in Haverford as well what a small world! lol. shame u've moved i'm sure I remeber one person from Milford on here, I am signed up to net mums I think - will have a look again on there I think I forgot them, and going to look for NCT, but as we're a while from the nearest big town (60 miles to swansea and 30 to camarthern) I don't know if they'll have one of these, our cinema is literally a 38 inch TV screen! lol.

there's baby clinic at the dr's.

nemo - yeah i'd meet up with u buit liverpools a bit far hon! :o lol.

ooh found two other mums in pembs on there - thanks girls have asked them if they fancy a coffee/know of any groups etc.

it's a shame we don't have a tumble tots or anything - not that Joey's old enough but well u know! lol.

Hi Yummi - am in Melbourne. Yes child health clinic groups are great - was a bit of a wrench leaving Sydney when DS was 7 mnths because was getting quite close to a few other mums in the group... we were just becoming proper friends iykwim. Have been here 2 months and met some lovely people so I know it's going to be OK. There are more things to go to than days of the week, it's great! My best friends are out there at the bottom of a coffee cup (or glass of wine) somewhere

Good news about the coffee Munz - make sure you go for it and meet up with them. Call them if they don't call you!! With going to the other group and Joey being 7 weeks - you could always try, he might like it and he might not and there's no way of knowing without trying. Worth a go, eh!

woooohhhoooooo! had a reply to my email on net mums! yay! a local mum who lives about 10 mins away, her little one's 8 months thou - but we're gonna do coffee anyways and maybe swimming - YAY!!! :o gotta get out there more! :o

aww munzie glad you got a reply. of course the M+T group is worth it, besides everyone will cooo over joey and adult company is also a blessing when you are home with a little un.

anyone from northern ireland?