Motherhood can often feel like an isolating journey. But it doesn’t have to be.
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When my kids were born I felt a bit lonely.
As most of my friends had their kids earlier, they were at different places in their parenting journeys.
So I started putting myself out there. I went to Australian Breastfeeding Association meetings. I met with baby-wearing groups.
I went on “blind dates” with mums I met on Facebook.
There are women everywhere and I promise you have things in common with most of them.
You may have the most fascinating conversations with a person whose life and experience are completely different to yours.
You don’t need to look for differences between you and other people – that can drive you apart.
Why not look for the similarities instead, and let those bring you together?
I went on a picnic recently with three awesome mamas. I didn’t know two of them before my kids were born, and the other I knew but wasn’t close to.
If I allowed my kids’ undesirable behaviour, messy house, scheduled naps or eye bags to hold me back, I wouldn’t have spent most of yesterday lying on a blanket in the sun watching my kids play with their friends while we mums talked.
We laughed over biscuits and mandarins and it was priceless.
I’m not saying it was easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is.
Will you feel awkward? Probably.
Will your life be better for having some girlfriends in it? Absolutely.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association recognises the need of support and friendship for all mothers regardless of how they are feeding, and understands that how you feed your baby is only one part of skilled and loving parenting.
Through its Hunter arm, the association holds regular meetings in Newcastle and Port Stephens.
For upcoming social get-togethers and information on meetings in Newcastle and Port Stephens check out the Australian Breastfeeding Association Newcastle/ Hunter Region Facebook page.
24 hour Breastfeeding Helpline 1800 686 268 www.breastfeeding.asn.au
- Lauren Threadgate is from the Australian Breastfeeding Association