When I gave birth to Lucy in 2016 our town was seriously lacking in mom/baby and mon/toddler groups or events. There was the early years baby group, but it was on Wednesdays from 1-3pm, and since Lucy was an awful sleeper I never wanted to miss nap time. That was MY time to catch up on sleep (self care people!). There was also a walking group that started that fall, which helped me meet moms, but that was pretty much the extent of things. Overall I felt sad and frustrated, especially during the long Huron County winters. I needed to get out, I needed to connect. I often found myself driving into London, but the hour+ drive was exhausting.
Fast forward 2 year and things are changing. There is still the baby group and walking group, but there is much more happening. I mentioned in my previous post there is mom and baby yoga. Most notably, a lovely group of ladies who run a business called Huron Birth have really catered to the fact that moms need more here.
Huron Birth was started as a doula service by one local woman. She has since expanded her business to include more doulas as well as host workshops, mom and baby groups and health/fitness oriented groups as well. I’ve attended toddler groups, a fun event hosted for pregnant women that included belly casting, yoga, and empowerment activities, and some general “come hang out and chat” type of gatherings. In the new year I fully intend to join their baby group and toddler group.
When I found these groups, I started to finally feel a sense of belonging. I found my people. Thier parenting styles often align with mine, but they are also women who aren’t judgemental, and they support other women. They’ve also inspired me. I am going to do training to offer peer support in our local MILKS (mothers initiating lactation knowledge) groups in February. I would like to find more ways to get involved as well, hopefully the new year will present some new opportunities.
It’s nice to see this rural area changing for the better and being a more welcoming place for young families. It makes me really feel like a part of the community and I hope to see this growth continue.
Musings of a Small Town Mom 