Remember back in the '90s, when you had to use a modem to access the internet? It tied up a phone line, and you had to pay per every minute of use. It was almost torture. Things loaded so slowly, and the internet became a major expense. That is, until people realized how important of a tool it really is.
The internet is literally the best way to network. That was part of the fun in the days of AOL. Those with niche interests have the capability of connecting with people around the globe just like them.
These days, the internet is a necessity. We need it to work, and we need it to keep tabs on our loved ones. And it's still a great place to connect with others. If you have a question, you can just Google it. It's also a great place for moms, especially moms who wonder if a rash is a "wait it out" issue or a "might want to see a doctor" concern. (The answer is usually to see a doctor, for the record — rashes can vary.)
On the lookout for other great online resources for moms? Look no further. Here are a few sites and communities that every new mom should know about.
1. Reddit
Reddit is a huge one. That's because Reddit is filled with tons of different subforums and specialty threads. Oftentimes, it's a great community if you have specific questions. R/BeyondTheBump is one of the most popular subreddits, but there's also R/Parenting, R/Newborns, and R/Toddlers — just to name a few.
One of the positive aspects of Reddit is that you can stay as anonymous as you want to. You can post questions with some details omitted to protect your identity or create new usernames if you don't want a specific question attached to your Reddit history. Or you can also share a ton if you feel comfortable. Just remember that Reddit has a pretty wide viewing audience.
2. Local Facebook Communities
Have you ever searched on Facebook for your town and "moms"? There's a good chance a mom group exists. Oftentimes, in bigger cities, multiple local groups exist. These are a wonderful way to get some good mom advice while also learning more about your town. You can also end up booking playdates, making mom friends, and getting great recommendations on local pediatricians and even kid-friendly restaurants. Out of all the mom groups, the one centered in your town is the best resource you could ask for.
3. Mocha Moms, Inc.
Mocha Moms, Inc. is a wonderfully established group that offers support for Black moms along with other mothers of color. The organization includes a membership, meaning that it's great for moms who really want to get involved and meet other local moms. There are also countless opportunities for leadership roles and incredible events to attend.
"Mocha Moms, Inc. serves as an advocate for those mothers and encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership," the website explains. "In 2006, Mocha Moms, Inc. adopted the community service initiative entitled Closing the Gap on Minority Achievement which focuses on the health, educational and financial disparities which currently exist in our country." It seems to be a wonderful organization to be part of.
4. KellyMom
While looking for advice — especially regarding pumping and breastfeeding — there's no better place than KellyMom. While more of a resource than a community, you'll find that its articles are written in a casual yet informative manner. The content is there to provide advice and support, not judgment. If you've ever wondered, "Are moms supposed to actually love breastfeeding?" then it's a great site to check out.
5. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)
MOPS began back in 1973, originally as a group for mothers meant to navigate the worlds of their preschoolers. It's grown so much that the group expanded to include moms with school-aged kids as well. The group offers both in-person meetups and chats, and it's a great way to feel supported. MOPS also runs a MomCon, in case you really want to know everything you can about parenting.
The groups you can join include ones for first-time moms and moms who have children with special needs.
6. Truth Bomb Moms: Confessions
Looking for a mom group that tells it like it is? Then Truth Bomb Moms might be worthy of a join. "If you’re a mom looking for a positive and inspiring place to share YOUR thoughts on parenting, we invite you to join," the group states. Moms in the group cover everything from C-sections to pumping.
7. Lucie's List
Lucie's List describes itself as being a survival guide for new parents. And it's right. There are plenty of articles for moms about everything from teething to cord blood. And there is also a pretty great Facebook presence as well. Lucie's List frequently asks the big and important questions, prompting a ton of feedback from actual moms. There's a good chance that some of your Facebook friends are already part of this community.
8. Cat & Nat Chat
Cat & Nat are two moms who also happen to be best friends. Together, they cohost the #MOMTRUTHS podcast. So it should come as no surprise that they also have a wonderful online community perfect for moms everywhere. Plenty of their posts start incredible conversations.
If you happen to like Cat & Nat, there's some good news — the two have plenty of projects to enjoy. "With honesty and humor, Cat & Nat dismantle the unrealistic portrayals of motherhood that are often presented throughout social and traditional media," their Facebook group states. "Through their virally famous #MOMTRUTHS videos, which have garnered hundreds of millions of views, their Facebook Lives and Instagram stories, their best-selling book, and iHeartRadio award nominated podcast, Cat & Nat share everything moms think but are too afraid to talk about." Sounds perfect.
9. What To Expect
What To Expect When You're Expecting may be one of the most iconic books for pregnant women. For years, it has served as the perfect guide to help moms feel more in control over the changes they have to face. But did you know that there is also a strong online community? What To Expect has a bunch of articles, like many mom-centric sites, but its forums are very special. You can search by due date to meet like-minded moms who are going through the same things you are.
10. Mom Squad
Mom Squad started as a small group but eventually exploded, containing more than 35,000 members. "This is not your average mom group," the group says. "We swear, (some of us more than others)."
They're also quite real, stating, "THICK SKIN IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. Bring out the coconut oil, and enjoy the slippery ride." Worth a join? You bet.
These stories are based on posts found on Reddit. Reddit is a user-generated social news aggregation, web content rating, and discussion website where registered members submit content to the site and can up- or down-vote the content. The accuracy and authenticity of each story cannot be confirmed by our staff.
