Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be isolating...especially in further out suburban areas like parts of Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, and Eastern Cuyahoga counties. Finding a village of fellow moms can be life-changing, not just for emotional support but for overall mental health. That’s why local mom groups like Mother Rising, The Mamahood, Fit4Mom, The Willoughby Mom Walk, and even library storytimes are more than just social gatherings...they’re lifelines.
Here’s why these community connections matter so much:
Village Building: Finding Your People
We’re not meant to mother alone. Historically, child-rearing happened in tight-knit communities, but modern life separates us from built-in support. Mom groups and library storytimes recreate that lost village, providing a space where moms can swap stories, share struggles, and simply feel understood. Whether it’s a workout, a walk, or a circle of strollers at the library, these moments of connection can remind you that you’re not alone.
The Serotonin Boost: Feel-Good Chemicals at Work
Spending time with others...especially in positive, welcoming spaces, triggers serotonin and oxytocin, the brain’s natural mood boosters. Laughter, shared experiences, and even small conversations at storytime can ease stress, fight off loneliness, and improve overall mental health.
Body Movement: Mental and Physical Health Combined
Groups like Fit4Mom and The Willoughby Mom Walk incorporate movement into social connection, which is a double win for mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, and improves sleep, all crucial for moms navigating the emotional ups and downs of motherhood. Even just pushing a stroller on a walk or dancing at a library storytime can provide a much-needed energy shift.
Something to Look Forward To
Motherhood can be repetitive, and days can blur together. Having a weekly mom group, a fitness class, or a standing library storytime creates structure and gives moms something to anticipate with joy. That sense of looking forward to something, no matter how small, can be a powerful tool for mental well-being.
Commitment to Yourself
It’s easy to prioritize everyone else’s needs before your own, but signing up for a group or making a standing date to meet other moms is a form of self-care. Committing to an activity means you’re carving out time for yourself, even if it includes your little ones. It’s a way of saying, I matter too.
Meeting New People: Expanding Your Support System
Motherhood often reshapes friendships, and finding like-minded moms in your area can be a game-changer. Groups like Mother Rising, Fit4Mom, The Willoughby Mom Walk, and The Mamahood provide a welcoming space for forming new friendships, which can lead to deeper support systems, playdates, and even lifelong connections.
Go Even If You Don’t Feel Like It
It’s easy to talk yourself out of going...maybe you’re tired, anxious, or just not in the mood. Maybe you’ve tried before and didn’t immediately feel a spark or connection with the group. Go anyway. The magic isn’t always in the first meeting, it’s in showing up for yourself, over and over, until something shifts. Sometimes, the simple act of leaving the house and being around other moms is enough to start feeling better. Give yourself the chance to belong.
Finding Your Local Village
If you’re in Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, or Eastern Cuyahoga County, there are plenty of ways to get involved (click names for info):
- Mother Rising (mom hikes, education, and birth story circles)
- The Mamahood (in-person community events)
- Fit4Mom (fitness and connection online and in person - events with and w/o baby)
- The Willoughby Mom Walk (community walks with fellow moms)
- Library Storytimes (social opportunities for both you and your child)
If you’ve been feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or just craving connection, consider trying one of these groups. The benefits go beyond just an hour of socializing...it’s about building a village that supports you, lifts you up, and reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey
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