Advice for single mum to be & any local other mums as support network?

[susanica]

I'm 20 weeks + 4 pregnant, going to be a single mum and I'm feeling nervous. I'd like to connect with other single mums and ideally those in the area I'm moving to - Leighton Buzzard - to establish a support group. I will probably have lots of questions as to if I'm doing each part of parenting correctly and I do suffer from anxiety so I may be even more worried that other first time mums. I'd just really like some support and build up a friendship group of other mums where we can help each other out

[Seb9]

You could try the peanut app, that's a way to make friends in an area and is designed specifically for mums to meet up.I found going to groups a good way of meeting other mum friends, lots of churches have children and toddler groups weekly. I found baby sensory classes really nice as there's normally a break in the middle where you can all chat together.

There's lots of support groups on Facebook too, I'm on the UK breastfeeding page which is full of helpful advice on breastfeeding. Extended rear facing car seats, for all your car seat advice. The nappy lady pregnancy baby and parenting group, a lot of reusables nappy related chat but also parenting chat too, there's lots and lots of support pages there.

You could also find a local community page for the area you're moving too and all about baby groups too.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and good luck.

[Artmum22]

Hello lovely, congratulations on your pregnancy! If that could help, in my area you can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy for free. I was referred to a therapist specialized in CBT by my GP and it really helped since I was suffering from extreme anxiety. My level of anxiety went down drastically since you are given tasks and goals to reach in the coming days and months. And I was strongly recommended to apply mindfulness in my daily activities.As for connecting with other mums, I agree the peanut app and baby sensory as Seb9 mentioned are very good solutions to connect with new mothers… good luck! You will be fine

[LB1234]

I'd also suggest checking whether your area has a local children's centre. I was regularly at my local place 2/3 times a week for different classes and groups. Run by the council and they don't usually charge. There was also access to health visitors and other support if needed. Mum and baby exercise classes can also be really good - both for you to focus on yourself for an hour and to meet others.

There are plenty of things out there so I'm sure you'll find something that suits you.

[Cheekymonkey85]

I met my best friend at a baby massage class 8 years ago in may. There’s roughly 9wwwks between our oldest children and they are in the same class at school. We were both 1st time mums finding our feet. Ask your midwife or health visitor when she gets in touch to point you in the direction of childrens centres or classes xx