Since becoming a mom, I’ve been on a mission to gather fellow new moms. I’ve joined parenting groups, attended baby music sessions, and even participated in a church women’s group (despite not being a member). Riding the wave of new motherhood, I crave connections with women who truly understand the whirlwind of this experience. I want to chat about everything from engorged breasts to diaper blowouts and share my worries about whether I’m doing it all right.
However, in my pursuit of new mom friendships, I’ve unintentionally drifted away from my childless friends. It’s not that they don’t get it; it’s just that I’m often in survival mode and feeling a bit lost. While I cherish my mom friends, I’ve come to realize how essential my childless girlfriends are now more than ever.
1. They Help Me Remember Who I Am
Lately, I’ve become known as “Mommy,” the sleep-deprived milk dispenser who crashes by 8:30 p.m. My friends, though, remind me that I’m also Jess, the fun-loving gal who enjoys a glass of wine and a good laugh (and who, let’s be honest, has never been a night owl).
2. They Skip the Advice
When I vent to my mom friends, they often jump in with suggestions about sleep training or the best baby products. Sometimes, though, I just want someone to say, “That totally sucks,” while handing me a drink.
3. They Love to Hold My Baby
While hanging out with other moms is great, it doesn’t come with a break from parenting. My childless friends are always ready to cuddle my baby, which is heartwarming. Honestly, seeing them show affection for my little one brings a tear to my eye (and maybe it’s the wine, too).
4. They Keep It Real
A mom friend and I were recently stressing about our babies not signing yet. When I mentioned this to my childless friends, they gave me a reality check, telling me that worrying about baby sign language isn’t necessary right now.
5. They Help Me Avoid ‘Mom Fashion’
I admire every mom’s style, whether it’s sweatpants or whatever else they wear. But my girlfriends encourage me to dress up occasionally, and they’ve even sworn to intervene if I ever consider mom jeans or cargo shorts.
6. They Don’t Judge My Parenting Choices
Whether I’m into co-sleeping or any other parenting style, my childless friends don’t care. They’re just there to hang out and that’s refreshing.
Being around my childless girlfriends allows me to unwind, enjoy a drink, and remember that I’m more than just “Mom.” If you’re navigating parenthood and want to explore other related topics, check out our other blog posts, including this one. Also, for more insights on home insemination, Make A Mom is a great authority on this topic, and NHS offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Embracing my childless friendships is crucial as they help me reconnect with my identity, provide a break from parenting discussions, and offer support without judgment. They remind me to enjoy life beyond motherhood and keep it real when I need a reality check.