Is maternity leave always that lonely?

[Happychick35]

Sorry for posting here, but I always found the greatest support in pregnancy part of mumsnet. So here is my question is maternity leave always lonely? I had my baby very long awaited miracle two months ago and suddenly was suprised by lack of attention. My BFF had a baby 4 months ago and lives on opposite side of London so not much chance to meet. And otherwise I was really suprised that people who I thought were friends did not really show much interest except txt message congratulations and Facebook likes no visits or phone calls. Our NCT group does not meet that often. Did anybody else has been through this and how did you make new friends? Thank you

The thing is, objectively speaking the activities required look easy. There is a Naomi Stadlen book called What Mothers Do which I found articulated quite well how it feels. We are used to being able to list accomplishments from a 'busy' day and it takes quite a mind shift to understand why a day with a baby can be so hard.

I am now on no. 3 (due soon!) and although it is utterly knackering, I always say that I couldn't go back to the early days of DD1. Not because of the learning curve of being a parent (hard as that is) but the often spirit crushing combination of really quite dull and utterly exhausting!

Aim to do one activity a day for at least 3-4 days of the working week. Look for baby massage, baby yoga, buggyfit etc. plus all the other great suggestions people have made. Then suggest people go out for a cup of coffee or lunch after the class - it's nicest to ask the whole class. Others may be equally as relieved to delay their return home.