Find your mum tribe: Six ways to build sociable and supportive motherhood networks

Pregnancy and first-time parenthood is exciting but it’s normal to feel a bit lost and nervous about all the changes to come. Feeling socially isolated and lonely is common, and connecting with other people who live nearby and are on the same journey can be a huge source of company, support, information and hopefully fabulous friendships too!

At Hello Baby we have got a wealth of personal and professional experience when it comes to the art of making mum friends! Here are six of our top tips for finding yours:

Antenatal classes: at Hello Baby, we see first hand the bond that forms when a new group of expectant first-time parents embark on their journey together. The support you can provide one another is amazing - who else can you message during the 3am feed and be sure to get reply? Hannah and Chloe are still friends with the antenatal class mums they met during their own pregnancies, a decade later. Book your place on The Antenatal Class today and find your tribe!

Family Centres: you may already be familiar with your local Family Centre if you’re attending midwife appointments there but if not, check it out and find out about all the activities and support they offer. This is likely where you’ll be going to weigh your baby regularly, seeing health visitors and meeting other mums. If you live in Hertfordshire, visit www.hertsfamilycentres.org/family-centres.aspx.

Pregnancy and postnatal exercise: specialist trained instructors can keep you safe while you maintain strength, flexibility and help to support your body through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Some group classes also incorporate guided relaxation or social time.

Buggy-based fitness, mum and baby yoga, sling-friendly classes and bring-your-baby pilates are all fun and sociable ways to maintain your fitness - with your baby in tow! Some gyms and leisure centres may have crèche facilities for older babies, but if you’re breastfeeding or prefer to keep your baby close then these may be good options for you.

We recommend Activ8 Pilates, Blossoming Lotus and Instinct Anatomy for women looking tried and trusted, pre- and postnatal qualified providers local to Bushey and the surrounding areas.

Baby classes: Sing & Sign, music/sensory classes, baby massage and more - there’s a huge choice of classes aimed at parents with very young babies. Bear in mind that in the early weeks your baby may want to sleep and/or feed during classes, so choose carefully and make sure it’s something you’ll enjoy too!

Peanut: the Peanut app is a space where you can connect with other mums for friendship and support during your fertility journey, pregnancy or after your baby arrives. You can search by area and stage of motherhood journey. Peanut says: “We envision a world where no woman has to navigate life alone. Where they have a safe space to find friendship and be vulnerable.” We love that!

Pregnant and postnatal meets-ups: Hello Baby runs a Pregnancy Club to give pregnant women in the local area an opportunity to connect with other expectant mums in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Social connection and peer support are important for postnatal mental health, and the Walk & Talk meet ups get new mums moving gently, and enjoying some nature, natural light and fresh air.

Hello Baby meet ups are FREE to attend but booking is essential on Eventbrite. We look forward to seeing you there!