New mommas support group

This Monday I went to a new mommas support group at Three Little Birds, a neighborhood space that has all kinds of cool classes like kids' sewing class, Princess training, and mom and baby yoga.

I've known about this group since my pregnancy and had been meaning to go since Olivia was born, but never got around to it. I always had some excuse or another as to why I couldn't go that week. In all honesty I was scared to be around other moms and babies because what if I was the spaz unprepared mom with the screaming baby? That's a completely stupid thing to think of course, because most new moms are unprepared spazes with screaming babies and the whole point of the group is support, not judgement. I knew this, but I still deferred. The format was basically sit in a circle on a yoga mat, have your baby wherever he or she (and you) were most comfortable, introduce yourself and your baby and bring up any topic on your mind. Olivia did great and only whined a tiny bit before falling asleep. But there was one very sleep deprived mom of a 6 week old who asked what to do about her baby who would cry whenever she was put down. She didn't have anyone who could help watch the baby so she could sleep, her husband got home from work late every day and she just felt desperate. She ended up crying in front of the whole group. I thought, "this is exactly where I was seven weeks ago" and at times I felt desperate and ended up in tears, but I am so fortunate to have such a huge and fantastic support system. Vince, my mom, and my whole family are all so willing to help.

And I am very lucky because I have my own "new mommas" group of friends with whom I've been texting back and forth for the past few months. It was really comforting to know so many ladies who were pregnant AND due at the same time. Olivia, you already have friends, you're welcome. I checked in with them periodically during our pregnancies and we talked about everything from maternity leave to stretch marks. They gave me some great tips that I never would have thought of on my own. After Olivia was born I spent alot of time immobile with a baby sleeping on me (I mean, I probably could have moved more than just my thumbs, but once she was asleep I didn't want to do anything to unleash the kracken) so I texted with these ladies alot. It helped me so much to know that I wasn't the only one going through sleepless nights, frustrating bouts of fussiness and TMI issues which I won't mention. Thanks to them I had company in my (for lack of a better word) misery. So I guess this post is a thank you to everyone who's helped me through these first few months. Thanks for your love, support and encouragement.

Meet the amazing new mommas and their babies:

Clarissa and Allie

Lara and Clarissa

Sherry and Aidan