For a lot of new mums, family and whānau are nearby to help on a day-to-day basis to look after the baby, and provide support for mum. However, many new mums who don't have support nearby can feel 'cut off from normal life' as the social network they had enjoyed before the baby arrives drifts away.

This is a really important time to try to develop a network of friends, neighbours and other new parents nearby to help prevent experiencing any feelings of isolation.

Local mother's groups are a great way of developing these networks. They are a good way for your children to make friends their own age, to help develop their social skills. And the reality is they are also a way for a new mum to socialise and can be a fantastic source of support.

Share your experiences and you'll discover you've each been dealing with a similar problem in different ways. By swapping stories you'll build up a wealth of experience and have plenty of tips to try.

Whether you make a friend for life or meet up for the occasional coffee, the support of other mums is invaluable. Talk to your Plunket Nurse about what is available in your local area, such as Plunket in Neighbourhood (PIN) groups; whānau groups; young mums' groups; coffee groups; walking groups; dance and movement groups; playgroups.

If you're not lucky enough to have friends in the same boat already, or there isn't a parent group running in your area, talk with your Plunket Nurse to find out how you can start your own parent group.

For more information visit www.plunket.org.nz

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