When you are having a new baby, it’s important for you to find people and a community who understand and support you.
You can have your own family and friend support network, but you may also want a supportive community of people who are experiencing the same stresses, issues and joys that you are. This is why it’s important to make friends with other expectant parents.
We have some tips that may help you find and connect with other expectant and new parents.
Finding Other New Parents
The first step in building a new community is finding them.
Many local areas offer expectant parent or birth classes. Signing up to these types of classes is a good way to find other parents in similar circumstances to you.
You could also check your local library as they can have local events and meetings for expectant and new parents. Some areas have newborn baby classes, meetings, and clubs that you could sign up to. Some churches and other religious organisations may have them as well.
You should also look into your local Sure Start Centre. They will have some events and activities specifically for new and expectant parents.
Making The First Move
Once you’ve found a class or club, the next step is making the first move and talking to other parents.
It can seem nerve-wracking to make the first move and start the conversation. It might help ease your nerves if you have some icebreakers or conversation starters ready.
It can help if you think about how you would want people to start a conversation with you. It can also help to remember that other expectant parents are in the same boat as you.
Most of them are also looking to make friends with people like you, so try not to stress too much.
It is possible that you will encounter some people who aren’t interested in making friends, and that’s ok. Move on and speak to others instead.
Exchange Details
The final step is to exchange details, and this can be the most stressful part. It can feel very strange to ask new people for their phone number, or email addresses, or to give your details to someone who is essentially a stranger.
However, you need to take a deep breath and try to do it. It can help ease your nerves if you look at it as making a playdate for your babies.
As well as finding a community for you, you also want this new community to be around to grow with your little one. The babies will be roughly the same age and will be well-suited to socialise with each other.
