It’s true—being a parent can be one of the most meaningful and fulfilling things you’ve ever done. But raising a child can also be one of the hardest.
Whether you’re expecting or raising a newborn, anxieties can creep in. Lack of sleep will make you moody. And, even the most supportive people in your life might not understand what’s it like for you.
Luckily, there are limitless opportunities out there for you to connect with new moms in Cincinnati who understand what you’re going through and want to support you.
Resources for Local Cincinnati Support Groups
Here are nine of the best support groups for new moms in Cincinnati, including resources for parents of special needs kids and multiples.
- MOPS
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) is a Christian support group for mothers of school-aged children. MOPS also offers support to parents of 1-12 kids through MOMSnext. - Mom-to-Mom
Mom-to-Mom meets weekly at the Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center (CFEC). Free support groups are held on Thursdays from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm. - MOMS Club
The Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) Club is a large organization with chapters throughout the US, including Cincinnati. - Montgomery Moms
Montgomery Moms holds monthly meetings and organizes events for parents and families in the Sycamore School District (Blue Ash, Montgomery, and Symmes Townships). - Cincinnati Moms 4 Moms
Cincinnati Moms 4 Moms is a local support group for Cincinnati moms which is primarily blogging-based. You can read advice from moms near you or reach out directly to local mothers by emailing [email protected]. - Hyde Park Parents’ Exchange
Hyde Park Parents’ Exchange is a parent support group that provides social and educational opportunities for Cincinnati families. Their focus is on Moms of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. - Mothers of Special Children of NKY
The Mothers of Special Children NKY (MSCMKY) is a support group for parents and caregivers of special needs children. They meet on the second Thursday of each month at a local restaurant, and you can join their Facebook page here. - West Chester Mothers of Twins & More Club
The West Chester Mothers of Twins & More Club is a new parent support group for families welcoming multiples in the Greater Cincinnati region. - Tri-state Multiples
Tri-State Multiples offers support to families in Cincinnati, Ohio; Northern Kentucky; and Southeastern Indiana who have triplets or other higher-order multiples.
Join a Virtual or Online Support Group for New Moms
Although there are tons of resources for new moms in Cincinnati, there are even more opportunities online.
If you can’t find a local support group that works for you (or if you just prefer not to leave your home to meet other new moms), consider reaching out to support groups through online spaces.
You can meet new moms, ask for advice, receive support, and learn more through social media. Consider seeking out connections with other new parents through:
- The Peanut App
- Online mom blogs
- Official support group pages
What to Expect from New Mom Support Groups in Cincinnati
Support groups for new parents offer a safe place where you can learn with, lean on, and commiserate with other moms. Enduring pregnancy and having a newborn are no small tasks, and joining a community where you can swap stories, share advice, and experience empathy can have a huge impact on your emotional well-being.
Some mom support groups are also referred to as “Mommy and Me” classes because they incorporate ways to engage and socialize the children as much as the moms. And almost all groups will allow or encourage you to bring your kids with you (after all, they understand the struggle of hiring a sitter).
Some groups host casual and somewhat private meetups at restaurants. Others have larger groups meet together in community spaces (like a local church). And other support group organizations host large family events in the community to encourage the neighborhood parents to socialize.
If you try one support group for new moms and it doesn’t feel right, don’t give up. There are tons of other groups out there for you to join. And, if you have the energy, you can always start your own.
Common Issues That New Parents Struggle With
New parent support groups can help you with so much—from learning how to parent to working on your personal growth. Here are some common topics that new mom support groups touch on:
- Not getting enough sleep
- How to ask for help (and hold your spouse accountable for co-parenting)
- Breastfeeding problems like improper latching or pain
- How to take time for yourself and your social life
- Dealing with a negative self-image
- Coping with the pain of surgeries and birth
- Postpartum depression or “baby blues”
- Translating indistinguishable cries into real needs
Key Takeaways: New Moms Can and Should Find Support in Cincinnati
All these issues (and so many more) are common for new parents. Thankfully, there are tons of support groups for new moms locally and online.