I don’t know if it’s just me, but making friends as an adult—especially as a mom to little ones—feels like a daunting task! I’ve always been lucky to have a strong friend group, some of whom have been with me since middle school. But as most new parents know, if your friends aren’t in the same stage of life, it can be hard to seek advice and comfort from them on certain things.
We’re already filled with anxieties and mom guilt, so trying to find people you truly click with on top of that can feel overwhelming. But having friends who understand what you’re going through is so important—they can be a source of support, advice, and companionship during both the wonderful and the challenging moments of motherhood.
I was fortunate to find a great group of like-minded moms when my son was around nine months old, and my only regret is not putting myself out there sooner! They are truly amazing women, and we would do anything to support each other. If you don’t have family nearby or even if you do, building your own little village is invaluable. That support and friendship are especially crucial during those early postpartum days.
So, how can you put yourself out there and meet other moms? Here are some ways to start:
- Join Local “Moms” Facebook Groups
This was a game-changer for me! I found out about so many opportunities to get out of the house with my little one just by joining a local moms’ group on Facebook. It’s an easy first step because you can explore from the comfort of your home and get a feel for what’s available before committing to anything. I made a post in my local group asking about free activities for moms and babies and received tons of responses—not just suggestions for places to go but also invitations for park meetups! If you’re not comfortable posting yet, try using the search function to see if others have asked similar questions and read through the responses. - Utilize Your Local Library
This is actually how I met my mom friends! Our local library hosted a “Books and Babies” storytime every Tuesday, which was recommended in the Facebook group. I attended a few sessions, started chatting with some of the other moms, and eventually clicked with a few of them. One day, they were planning to meet up for our town’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and invited me to join—and the rest is history! Libraries often offer free programs like these, making them a fantastic resource for both entertainment and meeting other parents. - Check Out Open Play at Local Gyms
Many gymnastics gyms offer open play sessions, in my area they typically range from $10-$20 for two hours of play. Not only is this a great way to let your little one burn off some energy, but it also gives you the chance to chat with other parents while your kids play. - Visit the Playground
This one is simple! Just take your kiddo to a local park on a nice day and strike up a conversation with other parents. The easiest icebreaker? Talk about your little ones! - Join Mommy and Me Classes
Lots of local gyms, community centers, churches, YMCAs, and libraries offer free mommy-and-me classes in activities like crafts, yoga, music, sports, and breastfeeding support. These classes are a great way to meet moms with similar interests and offer a natural way to start conversations.
Even my midwives’ office (Midwives of New Jersey) offers incredible classes such as:- Mommy and Me Playgroup Sessions
- MotherCare Class – Provides social support, coping techniques, and encouragement for postpartum moms
- BabyCare Class – Focuses on newborn care and education for parents
- Lactation Circle – A fantastic resource for breastfeeding moms, offering free IBCLC support and a community of moms going through similar experiences, I loved this when I was trying to navigate those early breastfeeding days with my son!
Classes like these are not only educational but also help ease the anxieties of new motherhood while also having the support of other mamas that are going through the same!
I know that finding and making mom friends can be hard, but remember—just be yourself! The right people will naturally be drawn to you. You don’t need a massive group of mom friends like you see on social media; even just one or two close friends who truly get you can make all the difference.
The first step is putting yourself out there. I hope these ideas help even a little bit in finding your own mom tribe!