In a recent conversation with a fellow new mother, I found myself saying, “Don’t hesitate to try a nipple shield; cracked nipples are truly the worst!” Moments later, I warned another mom about the vibrant orange hue she could expect in her baby’s diapers after introducing sweet potatoes. It’s fascinating how quickly our discussions can shift from casual to deeply personal when we’re all navigating the challenges of motherhood.
As a woman in my early 30s, I’ve entered a phase in my life where many of my friends are having children. Two of my closest friends welcomed babies shortly after I did, and it has been a joy to share our parenting journeys. With these ‘friends who are moms,’ there’s no need for extensive introductions; our established friendship seamlessly transitions into parenting discussions. It’s refreshing to know that movie nights can now only commence after the babies are asleep, and invitations come with a “babies welcome!” note. These friends understand the joys and constraints of parenthood, making it easy to adapt our plans together.
However, I’ve also met a new category of ‘mom friends’ — women I wouldn’t typically connect with outside of our shared experience of motherhood. While they are wonderful, I often realize that despite knowing about their children’s favorite toys or naptime routines, I know little about them as individuals. These connections can feel superficial, limited mostly to our kids’ lives.
The good news is that these categories are not fixed. Many of my ‘mom friends’ have blossomed into ‘friends who are moms’ as I get to know their interests and lives. Their personalities shine through social media posts, and I begin to inquire about their jobs and relationships, seeing them as more than just fellow mothers.
As my daughter grows and begins to forge her own friendships, I anticipate my circle of ‘mom friends’ will expand, especially as birthday parties become a new social landscape for us as parents. It’s a time to sharpen my small talk skills and be mindful of sensitive subjects. I know that as she makes friends independently, my relationships with these other mothers will evolve into more casual mentions, like “that’s Sarah’s mom.”
For now, I relish the unique bond formed with women I’ve just met, as we discuss everything from nipple creams to baby bowel movements. This immediate familiarity among ‘mom friends’ emerges from our shared need for connection and validation, reassuring us that we’re not alone in our parenting experiences. Though these friendships may lack the depth of my long-term relationships, they are undeniably valuable.
In the meantime, if you’re exploring parenthood and considering options like home insemination, check out our post on the at-home insemination kit. For more information on pregnancy and related topics, Progyny is an excellent resource, and for detailed insights, you can visit Intracervical Insemination.
In summary, my experiences illustrate the distinct yet overlapping worlds of ‘mom friends’ and ‘friends who are moms.’ While the former may begin as surface-level connections based on shared experiences, they can deepen into meaningful friendships over time as we learn more about one another.