By Kaitlin Harker
Once you have a baby, your whole world changes. You now have a tiny human depending on you to survive, and the time you once had for yourself seems to vanish. Your priorities shift, your schedule changes, and so do your relationships.
Early motherhood can be incredibly isolating. Everything is posted online, and seeing friends get together without you can be challenging. It can also be hard to see friends at different stages of life have the opportunity and freedom to have complete control over their schedule and relationships.
We are getting advice from influencers on social platforms and other sources of media rather than from our neighbors, family, and friends living close by.
The last-minute plans and spontaneous get-togethers were now gone. Instead, there was a schedule every day, and plans had to be made around nap times, feedings, and the preparation time necessary to leave the house. This drastic change can make it hard for you to relate to friends and vice versa.
Finding mom friends who are in a similar situation seems like the obvious answer. However, it is not always that simple. Making new friends can feel overwhelming when your life revolves around your child’s naps, feedings, and moods. It can also feel challenging when you’re at home most of the day and don’t have the opportunity to socialize with other young mothers. With this being said, it is still possible and extremely important to find and have friends who are in a similar situation to you.
There are two main avenues you can take when it comes to making new friends. One avenue is to begin connecting with other moms on social media.
Finding Friends Online
Social media can help you feel more connected and can lead to new friendships. Facebook mom groups and community pages can introduce you to local moms. Instagram can be a source of encouragement by following those who post uplifting motherhood content. The following accounts are great sources of encouragement:
@jordanleedooley
@postpartumcare_usa
@kayla_mackenzie_birth
While social media can be a helpful tool for connecting with other moms, it can also be harmful. When I first had my son, I fell into the trap of comparison. I found myself constantly questioning if I was doing enough for my son. I saw the cute monthly pictures with the expensive outfits and backdrops. I felt silly posting my photos because I wasn’t as good at staging pictures as my friends were. I compared his milestones to those of other kids, even though I knew that every child developed differently.
The Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois points out, “You might wonder why your home isn’t as spotless or why your kids aren’t as well-behaved. This constant comparison can hurt your self-esteem, making you feel like you’re not doing a good job as a mother” (2020).
Just as this quote explains, social media can harm your self-esteem, so it’s important to be in tune with your emotions and be kind to yourself.
To protect your mental health, it’s important to be selective about who you follow and connect with. Avoid sharing personal information like your address or full name, and focus on content that uplifts rather than drains you.
Finding Friends In Person
The second avenue to make new friends is to meet others in person. This can be done by attending church or other local community events. Information about these events can often be found on Nextdoor (a local neighborhood app) or on the community forum page.
Another way is to begin a conversation with other moms at the park, grocery store, or school, depending on your child’s age.
Your OBGYN or Primary Care Provider should also have information and resources about local parenting support groups, mommy and me classes, and postpartum support groups.
Finding Your People
Whether online or in person, it is important to find friends who uplift, understand, and support you. These friends should be individuals you’d trust with your children and who share your values. Motherhood doesn’t have to be lonely, and you don’t have to navigate it all on your own. The right connections can make all the difference. It’s never too early to build connections and have important, nurturing conversations and relationships with our children.
Additional Resources
SHE with Jordan Lee Dooley – A wonderful podcast that talks about marriage, motherhood, and navigating a healthier and happier life. She writes, “From cultivating a home to clean living, time management to goal setting, we cover it.”
A Mother is Born with Kayla Mackenzie – This podcast was created to support women and their partners through trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—guided by values, intuition, and intention.
Mama, It’s Okay – A tender poem for new mothers with verses that speak to sleepless nights, deep love, and the quiet struggles that too often go unspoken of. A reminder that even in your most exhausted moments, you are seen, you are strong, and you are doing a wonderful job.
Mama, You’re Healing – A journal thoughtfully created to support mothers through the postpartum journey. With gentle daily prompts, it helps you track recovery, reflect on your well-being, and find encouragement as you embrace this new chapter of motherhood.
Kaitlin Harker is a stay-at-home mom with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Brigham Young University – Idaho. She has been married to her best friend for four years. Together, they have an adventurous two-year-old boy and an adorable baby girl. Kaitlin loves to read, write, and do anything active.
Citations:
Allen, Dr. S. (2025, March 11). Effects of social media on Motherhood. Postpartum Depression Illinois. https://ppdil.org/2025/03/social-media-motherhood/#:~:text=The%20Impact%20of%20Social%20Media%20on%20Self%2DPerception&text=Seeing%20these%20curated%20images%20can,good%20job%20as%20a%20mother.
