I live in the Hillsboro, Oregon area and need to find a mom's group or women's group where my daughter can join us that meets somewhat frequently. I've found one through my church, but it doesn't start until the middle of September and I really need some adult contct before that. My daughter is now nine months old and I'm feeling very isolated. To compound that my husband is having one of those busy times at work and is working 70+ hour weeks for a while, so I'm starting to feel especially alone. My pre-baby friends are all working or otherwise busy so we've drifted apart. If you read between the lines I'm starting to feel a little depressed and want to head that off. I have talked with my doc about meds and ways to get a handle on this quickly. She said, among other things, to get involved with other moms, so here I am. Side note: she suggested I might be having a hormone swing because I could be getting my first period (I'm still nursing) since pregnancy. Is it really supposed to be sucha doozy?
When I decided to stay home with my lovely little one I didn't realize this part could be so rough. I really am loving being a mother and wouldn't change a thing, but I need to keep my sanity too. Any suggestions would be helpful!
Hi S.,
I was in the same boat as you, I also asked the same questions as well and found out about meetup.com; it's a great place to look for all kinds of groups in the area. I would highly suggest the New Westside Mom's Meetup Group. They do a lot of great things all throughout the week and are very friendly about younger ones.
go to www.meetup.com and do a search for the mom's group, you'll be surprised. I was :)
Tuality Hospital has groups that are free a breastfeeding group Tuesdays at 10am. Since you are breastfeeding. Also there is the new moms group on Mondays then when the little one gets over a year you can go to Mover and Shakers group. I mainly went to the breastfeeding group when my daughter was 10 days old and kept going till she was 9 months. Made it to the new moms a few times and movers and shakers but, I made friends in the breastfeeding group and we started having playdates and still do years later!
Good luck and I hope that you can move past the depression. A new baby is a big adjustment and it takes time to get used to a new life! I was feeling pretty lonely and isolated when my daughter was born. I had no family or real friends in Oregon. But, going to the groups helped and I made new friends. I hope the same can happen for you.
N.
S.,
There is a great place to meet others...called ME TOO. It is a place to go that allows children to play in a supervised area ($5 flat fee for 1st child...) while the mom takes a break and has coffee...I go with a friend every so often just to feel like an adult.
I do not belong to a womens group, and know how you are feeling. If you want to talk or get together, send a note and I will give my number for you to call.
good luck,
T.
PS, the ME TOO is located off 185th...I am not far from there. We can meet there also, if you like. My boys enjoy it for an hour or two.
Hi S.--
With all the wonderful things about motherhood nobody mentions the rough times.
Try MOMS Club (stands for Moms Offering Moms Support). I think the closest one for you would be MOMS Club in Beaverton. Just google "Moms Club Beaverton Oregon" or http://www.geocities.com/momsclubbeaverton/ . The have multiple activities during the week where moms and kids get together. There are also play groups so you can get together with other moms (and their kids) with children the same age--such a great opportunity to chat with others who are invariably going or have gone through similar situations. I joined after we moved here when my son was 9 months old and I didn't know a soul. Isolation is the absolute worst for a new mommy. I credit MOMS Club for restoring my sanity.
Good luck!
I second the Tuality mother groups. They meet weekly. I preferred the breast feeding group, but they are both nice.
I live in Aloha and have a baby sign language playgroup weekly. Feel free to send me an email to find out more about that.
Another resource is meetups.com where you can search for other playgroups in your area. I've heard alot of great success using that site.
The moms clubs are a good idea. Additionally, there is a postpartum support group at St vincents hospital in beaverton. I live in the hillsboro area also so if you want to go for a walk or get together just send me a note and I'll give you my number. I am a SAHM of an almost 5 month old boy and really understand feeling cooped up and depressed.
