Networking, Mommy Style

When you're a new parent, it's easy to feel like you're the only one in the world going through the trials and tribulations of your day-to-day existence. But the truth is that lots of other people in Austin are going through exactly the same things as you, and you all have a lot to learn from each other! We certainly learned a ton about parenting from the people we met at meet up groups in Austin, and we want to pass along the benefits to you.

Parents sometimes fall into the trap of staying at home all the time because, let's face it, it can be exhausting going anywhere with a baby. Who hasn't ventured out of the house, only to end up in a public place with a wailing baby, a wet diaper, and lots of glaring strangers? Babies require a lot of gear, to boot! But it's important for your sanity -- and your social well-being -- to get out and be among people. So why not socialize with other parents?

Meet ups are a great way to feel normal again, and in my experience they help to put everything into perspective. Did your baby wake up a dozen times last night? That other mommy's baby does that every night! On top of that, exposing your baby to other people both big and small will help her to develop socially.

While new meet up groups are always popping up in Austin, here's a list of a few great ones to get you started:

Central Austin Parents
Website

This meetup group is for babies born in 2010 and 2011. The group’s meetup locations change, but are often held at Central Market. Other meetups have occurred at the Yarborough Public Library, the Austin Children’s Museum, and Stacy Park. To become a member, visit Central Austin Parents’ meetup page, where you can learn about the next meetup and connect with other members through Facebook.

The Austin Pregnancy and New Moms Group
Website

This meetup group is for expectant and new mothers, and it serves as a space to provide support to these women as they experience the physical, emotional, and psychological changes of becoming a mom. The group is run by an oriental medicine practitioner named Mari Kurko. The Austin Pregnancy and New Moms Group is an excellent option for new moms who may feel a little isolated to get together with other women who are going through the same things.

Austin New Mamas
Website

This meetup group is mostly comprised of women who are new to Austin and motherhood. There are no geographic or attendance requirements, so membership is very loose and low key. This group thrives on variety, meeting up for pancakes, play dates, swimming, walks in the park, and more. If you’re looking for a mellow group of mamas (read: a group of women who don’t want any drama), you’ll find it with Austin New Mamas.