Adjusting to life as a new mom can be a tricky proposition. The transition of becoming a mother is a challenge, to say the least. Most, if not all, mothers I have met describe the change as overwhelming. And, it is.

During the first week or two postpartum, you may feel like nesting and spending a bit of alone time with your baby. But, when the day arrives that you are craving adult interaction, here are a few great options for you to consider. Being able to commiserate with other moms can help you to smile through struggles and, most of all, remind you that you are not alone.

The first four suggestions listed below are usually free-of-charge while the remaining may generally require a fee. Programs and fees may vary.

The story time program at your local library is a great place to start. Many have programs from birth to preschool age. It’s a truly low-pressure way for you to get out of the house and interact with other moms. The exposure to all the books and new activities will have obvious benefits for baby and will hopefully spark a life-long love of reading and learning.

If you have a religious affiliation, inquire about a mother’s group in your congregation. Many religious groups provide support for mothers within the organization. Ask your minister, priest or rabbi if there is support group for moms in your religious community and when they meet regularly.

Attend a meeting of your local chapter of the La Leche League. You’ll get down-to-earth, informed support for breastfeeding. You’ll also find that the group is a great place to meet other moms. My experience is that the LLL sometimes gets a bad rep for being aggressive or militant about their opinions. I haven’t found this to be the case . Quite the opposite, these women generally feel that the social bias is against their favor. Breastfeeding is still very much in the minority of mothering preferences. It’s critical to have this encouraging place to go when you’re first starting out.

Scan the bulletin boards of local community center, coffee shop, library, internet for ads listing local moms groups/playgroups. This can be a bit like a blind date as it’s likely you won’t have a direct affiliation with playgroup members. Still, it’s worth a look. Many moms (and kids) make lasting friendships through playgroups. Examples of the nationally recognized groups that can be found online are MOPS, MOMS, Mothers and more (each of these have local chapters throughout the U.S.)

The hospital or birth center where you delivered may hold meetings for new moms and babies. Many hospitals and centers develop seasonal calendars with group meetings and classes for new moms and babies. Options may include informal play dates or classes for a fee such a infant massage, newborn care, breastfeeding, infant CPR and the like.

Groups such as gymboree, kindermusik, baby and me, etc. offer lots of activity. This can be fun simply because all of the activity is set by the teacher/leader of the group. You don’t have to think or plan. Just show up and enjoy.

Contact your local children’s museums, zoos, parks, as well as indoor creative play centers. Many of these centers offer activity days for moms and tots as well as resources to partnerships with other organizations who do the same.

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