Welcome to parenthood! Regardless of whether you are in the first few months of pregnancy or are knee-deep in diapers and toddler sass, one thing is for sure: You are going to have a lot of questions. It takes a village, but sometimes the people you typically turn to won’t be there to help or offer guidance. That’s why you’re going to want a virtual community, too. Facebook has a plethora of “expecting parent” groups you can join for common inquiries, words of wisdom, or a figurative pat on the back. Here are the best Facebook groups for new moms and dads to explore as you navigate this uncharted territory.
Mom Life!
Created and moderated by Instagram’s Eva Chen, the Mom Life! group page features must-have products, tips, hacks, and more helpful tidbits for brand-new moms. Chen herself describes it as “half support group” and a “happy place” for moms to sit back, relax, and hang out.
Mama Said
A product of the Mama Said podcast, created by actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler and her friend Jenna Paris, this small group is a place to air your embarrassing pregnancy moments, confess your parenting truths, and yes, ask questions about day care hunting versus nanny scouring. It’s a great group to find support, empathy, and have a giggle.
Milky Mama Lactation Support Group
If you plan on nursing or are currently breastfeeding, you will want to join this community of 30.8K moms ASAP. Not only will you get support in your challenging journey, you can read through evidence-backed facts to help guide you on the path to breastfeeding success. Lactation specialists will help you with everything from latching issues to supply problems.
Formula Feeding Mommies Group
Planning to bottle feed with formula? No judgment, and no shame in that game! Breastfeeding and supplementing? That works, too! You can get tips on types of formula, bottle options, eating schedules, and more in this group with 21.2K mama members. The admins are committed to a shame-proof environment where your parenting decisions are respected with kind words and open minds.
Baby Bump Community: A First Time Pregnancy Support Group
Those expecting mamas who are preparing for their first will benefit from joining this women-only safe-space group that seeks to spread awareness of health considerations through factual information and to support women during their challenging nine-month journey.
First Time Fathers
One of the best Facebook groups for new dads? It’s First Time Fathers, a supportive Facebook group of dads who lean on each other through the ebbs and flows of fatherhood. The biggest rule on the page: “Respect your fellow dads.”
LGBTQ+ Parents and Families
Every parenting journey is unique. As an LGBTQ+ parent, this group, hosted by the nonprofit Family Equality for LGTBQ+ families and LGBTQ+ people, will help you find advice, share joys, or air some grievances in a safe and inclusive place.
Intended Parents Through Surrogacy
Whatever the reason for choosing (or considering) surrogacy as a means to parenthood, it can be a difficult and isolating time. This group will offer support, empathy, and connection with other “Intended Parents” and those who have been on the same bumpy road. Note that this group is not a matching service nor is it open to surrogates.
Adoptive Parents Support Group
This group is for current and prospective adoptive parents. It offers a safe place to express concerns, share stories, and get words of wisdom from a “friend” who has been in your shoes.
Becoming a new mom or dad is an exciting and nerve-racking time. Having a virtual community to turn to with questions and concerns, or, heck, for a good old venting session will help you throughout these turbulent nine months — and beyond! Social media can get a bad rap, but these groups are all about parents supporting parents. And we could all use the occasional thumbs-up, the sporadic “you’ve got this” emoji, or a kind word of encouragement from another mom or dad.
