10 point plan for new mums
First steps
After your baby is born, your health visitor will run a "postnatal group" where you can go and chat to the health visitor, get your baby weighed and meet other mums with new babies. These mums will be going through the same experiences as you and good friends can be made here. Your children will take their first steps at about the same time, learn to speak at the same time and perhaps start pre-school and even school together.
Toddle in
Check out the Netmums listings of local parent and toddler groups and activities in your area. Be brave and be prepared to talk to other mums there. Don't give up... it's like starting a new school or new job... it can take some time to stop feeling like the new girl and start feeling that you "fit in" and are part of the group.As you get to know other mums a bit, invite one or two you feel you have something in common with to your house with their kids for a coffee and a play. Or invite them for tea: always a trying time of day. Based on our survey results, 6 out of 10 mums would like to make new friends - so statistically, that mum you start a conversation with will be just as pleased to talk to you... maybe she is more shy than you!
