Being a new mom can be overwhelming and isolating, especially if you don’t have a lot of friends or family in the area. Sometimes, having a new moms group to connect with can be just the support you need to navigate having a new baby at home and maintaining your sanity. In today’s blog, we are going over new mom groups in the Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas. We hope that you will be able to find a new moms group and connect with other local moms once your little one arrives!
Mothers of North Arlington (MONA)
Mothers of North Arlington or MONA as it is more commonly referred to is a local social and support new moms group and expecting mothers who reside in North Arlington only. They have monthly activities scheduled that include outings for children, moms night out, events, playgroups, and a several special interest groups available to their members. In addition to social activities, they also have a very active message board with recommendations, community service opportunities, and items for sale. If you are already a part of this group, you may have noticed that Hush Hush Little Baby is often recommended for postpartum services!
P.A.C.E.
P.A.C.E. Moms has been established for more than 40 years and was started by two mental health professionals in the Washington, D.C. area. The founders recognized a need for additional mental health support for moms as many of the families here are from all over the country and world and lack the local family support new mothers need.
P.A.C.E offers groups for both new mothers and second times mothers. The groups are led by professional mental health educators who are trained in the fields of infant development, parenting skills, family relationships and group dynamics. In addition to their training, all leaders are mothers themselves. Each week there is a specific topic to be discussed as well as time to discuss subjects of mutual concerns.
The first time mothers group meets weekly for eight, two-hour sessions for mothers whose babies are between two weeks and five months of age. The cost of this group is $325 per mom.
Mamistad
Mamistad was established ten years ago with the goal of bringing first-time pregnant women together to share in the struggles and beauty of motherhood. Mamistad has a one-time $50 membership to be placed in a private group of at least 12 other moms who are due within 3-4 months of your due date. Groups meet weekly or monthly as planned for outings. The fun thing about Mamistad is you are able to build relationships with expecting mother before baby arrives!
MOTH- Moms on The Hill
MOTH is more of a virtual group, but a great resource for families who live in the Capitol Hill area. The community allows the opportunity to connect new mom with others in the same area for neighborly activities. Like MONA, this group is geographical, but it a wonderful resource to families in that area.
Mamas Link
Mamas Link was created by Robyn Cohen Churilla, which provides moms and moms-to-be with programs to make parenting easier, fun and fulfilling. Mamas Link hooks you up with mommy and me classes, special events, seminars, mom-to-be classes and programs in multiple cities. Mamas Link is not geographically based and there are play groups all over the DC Metro area up to Baltimore! Robyn created the The Six Week Hookup, formerly called Onesies DC, in 2007, the most popular of the Mamas Link classes. Robyn wanted to create a program that would expose moms to a variety of activities and workshops in her community. Onesies DC was born and with its success, came new ideas and ways to provide moms and moms-to-be with opportunities to connect and have fun.
Stroller Strides
Another great way to meet new moms and get in a workout is through Stroller Strides. They have locations all through out the DC Metro area with varrying work outs and schedules!
http://capitolhill.fit4mom.com/
http://arlington-alexandria.fit4mom.com/
http://fallschurchvienna.fit4mom.com/
http://lortonspringfield.fit4mom.com/
http://montgomerycounty.fit4mom.com/
http://howardcounty.fit4mom.com/
http://baltimorecity.fit4mom.com/