Some mothers feel they have nothing in common with other mothers around them. Perhaps they are of a different age group or racial background or sexual orientation. New mothers who feel different to other new mothers are less likely to socialise and so are at risk of isolation and emotional and mental health problems.
A lot of mothers give so much time and energy to their baby that they have little or no time left for themselves. Some new mothers feel pressured to put a false positive image of their situation onto social media even if things are not going as well as the mother had hoped they would. Neither of these are good, and they both lead to the mother being excluded from society.
Mush is a social networking group for mothers who want to chat online or meet in person. Other websites such as Mumsnet provide support to mothers, and socialising groups such as Meetup.com can be found on the internet, as can groups for new mothers. Some gyms even offer a crèche facility making it possible for mothers to have a serious work out or to boogie to Latin rhythms in a Zumba class, and the number of pushchair jogging groups for new mothers are growing. As well as the internet, your local library and Sure Start centre are great sources of information on activities for mothers of babies and young children in your local area.
There is so much support out there for new mothers that are yours for the taking. Take care of yourself.
Catherine Hume is a social care worker specialising in mental health who also writes in her spare time. Some of her fiction can be found at http://catherinehume.wordpress.com.
