Transitioning into motherhood, or new parenthood in general, can be a difficult season of life. With so many changes happening all at once, from how your body looks to your daily responsibilities, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost touch with your community. New motherhood can, at times, feel lonely. One amazing way to combat these feelings is connecting with other new moms who are in your same position. Take a look at the opportunities listed below to meet new mom friends in New York City.
Union Square Play, an organization that runs classes for kids, hosts a moms group for parents to meet new friends and build a mom community. With a different schedule each season, it’s a great way to shake up the routine and spend some time outside of the house with people who get exactly what you’re going through. Another amazing aspect of this group is that you can bring the baby or come alone! Whether you need a mom-afternoon-out to spend some time without the kids, or want to get some play time in, they’ll greet you with open arms.
Beyond the Bump is another great organization that focuses on supporting new moms and bringing parents together. With an open sign-up sheet listed on their website, their groups are easy to access and learn more about. The Beyond the Bump groups are age-specific as well, so you’ll always be paired with people who understand what you’re going through. Whether you want to meet other new moms, need some questions answered, or simply want to spend time around people in the same season of life, they’re here for you.
First Time Upper West Side Moms is an amazingly friendly group focused on connecting parents in fun and meaningful ways. Despite their name, they welcome everyone far past the “first child” stage! They host playdates, sports games, restaurant meetups, and more, but their happy hours are an especially great way to meet new friends. With dues set at only $10 they are incredibly affordable to become a part of, and they offer events in Mandarin, German, and French for accessibility as well.
This supportive group for new moms throughout New York City hosts in-person events ranging from exercise classes (where kids are welcome), information panels, and much more! They often send their moms aways with swag bags full of must-need essentials for both you and the baby as well. Head to their website and join their mailing list to find out when these awesome events are happening near you!
Moms for Moms is an organization that prioritizes helping new parents during the adjustment period after their baby is born. They often host two hour events where volunteers help pack newborn baby bundles and postpartum recovery kits for those in need. Beyond the satisfaction of knowing you are helping hundreds of moms find their footing during a difficult stage in life, this is a great way to expand your social circles and meet like-minded parents who want to give back just as much as you do. Beyond these packing events, Moms for Moms has a plethora of ways to get involved in their amazing community. Head to their website to check it out.
Baby and child play times can be a great way to expand your social network with people in the same season of life that you are in. Purple Waves, a unique cafe on the Upper West Side of New York City, hosts Little Waves play classes each week where parents are welcome to mingle while their kids utilize the cute playspace within the cafe. Low key come-as-you-are classes, these events are a great way to meet like-minded people and start to build your mom community.
Hudson River Park Mamas, also known as HRP Mamas, is a kind-hearted group focused on supporting moms within the downtown Manhattan area. They offer a wide range of ways to get involved with the community, from local meetups and social events to support groups for expectant mothers and people navigating lactation struggles. Overall, you’ll find incredible opportunities to meet other new moms and build community. Head to their website to see details on all their events.
Renee Sullivan offers a variety of new mom groups, both in person and virtual, for new parents to meet other moms in their neighborhoods and build impactful communities. After launching in 2008 under the name Babybites Moms Groups, Renee has facilitated thousands of new parent connections over the years. Offering events ranging from outdoor park meetups, to mommy and me classes, to resources for any question you may have about parenting or health concerns, Renee has it all!
Mommy Nearest hosts amazing playdates all around the city for moms to find their villages. Always free and with a different venue every time, you won’t want to miss these opportunities! Check out their RSVP link on their website to find out when the next playdate is happening near you. Don’t forget to browse their website for all the amazing information they have to offer new parents in this season of life as well.
A parenting support group developed for moms caring for babies six months old or younger, this group is the place to go to get all the support you need in the first few months of motherhood. Led by a child development expert, this is the perfect space to get any questions answered, learn new parenting tips, and connect with other new parents who are navigating the newborn learning phase as well.
This specialized group is for older moms who had babies past the age of 35. With over a thousand members, this is an amazing place to find community amongst parents who understand the unique experiences of having babies in your thirties or beyond. They regularly host zoom meetups to chat, share stories, ask questions, and so much more!
Specializing in connecting moms of multiples, Manhattan Twins Club holds both in-person and virtual meetings for parents to connect with other moms going through similar experiences. They share resources, answer questions, and have overall built an amazing community for those raising multiples in New York City. Check out their website for all the information on how to join!
Overall, these are just a few of the amazing opportunities to meet other new moms and start building an amazing support system in New York City.
Looking for some extra support while adjusting to new parenthood? Our incredible providers here at Manhattan Wellness are ready to start that journey with you. We understand that navigating mental health postpartum can be difficult. With our amazing group of therapists, you don’t have to navigate the process all on your own. A dedicated team working out of Manhattan, Brooklyn, or anywhere in New York, our clinicians are ready to help you start a journey of empowerment and self care. Follow these steps to get started:
At Manhattan Wellness, we understand that this is a time of transition and adjustment. From adjusting to your new identity as a mom to navigating infant and postpartum care, it can be an overwhelming process. One that no one prepared you for. That’s why our female therapists want to support you in prioritizing your maternal mental health during the fourth trimester. Let us help you take care of yourself so you can feel confident in your new role as a mom. If you are interested in therapy for your maternal mental health:
Our therapists understand that with becoming a new mother, there can be a variety of different needs that arise. Apart from helping you navigate the fourth trimester and maternal mental health, our therapists also offer a variety of services to cater to your individual needs. The therapy services we offer are Anxiety Treatment, Therapy for Depression, Stress Management, and Therapy for Women. As well as Therapy for Self-Esteem, support for, body image therapy, and so much more. Do you feel like you’re not living the life you want and need to make changes? Let’s talk about it.