Since I announced my pregnancy, I was added to mom group after mom group. At first, I just looked, occasionally asking a random question here and there. I tried (and left) probably over 50 groups, getting more and more turned off with each judgmental comment. But then I found my one: the one group that turned me into a believer!!!
I was added to an "October 2016" mom group. Two hundred pregnant women, hormones flying everywhere, but not one judgmental comment. It became the place that we all turned to when we needed to vent or just wanted to smile. Through thick and thin, through births and loses, in sickness and in health, we became a family.
The support that mom groups offer is indescribable. Baby's having surgery? Let's make a group chat to plan how to help, even if we're on the other side of the country or world. Someone lost a baby? Let's make a secret group and give money to send a beautiful care package. These are just a few things that we've done that have helped give us the bond we share.
I asked my girls why they love I group, and these were the replies:
"Because in the moment where I felt the most lost and empty (after my miscarriage), this group swooped in and held me up from all over the world. While, to most people I know, my daughter is now a memory of something that happened to me, this group still acknowledges her life. They still talk about her as if she meant something, to me this is incredibly special, because she meant a lot to us. And they never stop! This group is full of some of the most selfless, wonderful, kindhearted women I have ever 'met.' " -Dena
"Because it takes a village to raise children- you guys are my village!" -Jennifer
"This group was more caring and understanding through my preeclampsia and Cam's NICU journey then most people in my life." -Kayla
"This is a group of women going through the same journey of becoming mamas (again) at the same time. We all have different lives but we've bonded over what we have common, our babies. I'm closer to this group of friends than my real-life group of friends I've had for 20 years. I'm sure the convenience of social media helps, but nevertheless the bond we have is priceless." -Alisa
"We're never alone, there's always someone awake. We've laughed and cried together. You are my people. I've been so much luckier on my journey than some of the ladies here, but I share their pain which shows me how much everyone has come to mean to me." -Kayleigh
But even beyond the big gestures, the little things drive us even closer. Prayers and good vibes are always being sent all over the world. Nothing can beat the support I have received in this group. Struggling with postpartum depression and being a single mom with family problems, I was at a low, but these women stood by me and helped me up. I went MIA for 24 hours once, and they got worried about me and started a search party, messaging my mom to make sure I was okay. That's the type of thing that makes you know that these people are more than just "fellow mommies;" these women are family. It's the closest I've ever been with any group of friends in my life! In fact, I am the youngest in the group and most days it feels like I have 199 moms looking out for me. I am beyond grateful for these women and this bond! The advice is never ending, and the love is infinite!
