LISTEN TO MAMMA: Guidance For New Mommies in the Valley
we asked THE MOMS of Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Facebook Group for advice, here’s what they had to say
If you are pregnant or recently had your first baby, there are a plethora of new learning curves as you enter the parent world. Don’t panic, you’re not alone. Moms everywhere are known for looking out for one another, and the Chippewa Valley is no different. I asked the 4.1K members in THE MOMS of Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Facebook Group for advice for new moms in the area, and there was an outpouring of responses.
A lot of times, new moms can find it hard to leave the house and make connections with others, but this is crucial not only for the socialization of your baby but for your own well-being, too. There were many comments suggesting different events to keep your baby busy while also being a great opportunity to meet and connect with other moms in the area.
Facebook user Mariah Särndahl suggested the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire as a place to get out and about with your child.
“Baby storytime at the library is a must. It’s a great way to meet other new moms in the area and get out of the house for a little bit,” commented Särndahl. She also provided a link to the events page of L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library: ecpubliclibrary.info.
Another commenter, Michelle Rowekamp, suggested trips to the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire. “A Children's Museum membership is a must, even at a young age. There are so many fun activities and events. And with short attention spans, a membership makes it easy to pop in for an hour or two and not feel like you need to spend the whole day. Plus, the people who work there are amazing with kids!”
“For new moms, I loved attending Nursing Moms Network on Wednesday mornings for coffee, snacks, lactation advice or troubleshooting, and making friends with other mommas with young babies!”
Rachel Hahn commented, “We love going to plays at the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre and Pablo Center. Library visits are an easy way to get out of the house, encourage reading, and meet new friends in the play area. The new L.E. Phillips Library play area is wonderful, and my kids also really enjoy Menomonie Public Library. For new moms, I loved attending Nursing Moms Network on Wednesday mornings for coffee, snacks, lactation advice or troubleshooting, and making friends with other mommas with young babies! It’s been virtual since COVID, but will hopefully be in person again soon. You don’t have to be a Mayo patient either.”
Grace Park agreed with Hahn and added some fun recommendations during the cold months. “Plus YMCA Sports Center fun zone during colder seasons. Mall has a fun play area too, geared towards toddlers I’d say (we like to go after a playgroup at the Family Resource Center).”
Need a night out? Amanda Gallipeau commented that the Babysitters and Pet Sitters in or Near Eau Claire Wisconsin Facebook group is a great resource to meet other moms and potential babysitters. “ I also found several great date night sitters and a dog sitter through the babysitter page. I know not everyone uses Facebook but if they do, definitely recommend!” Gallipeau said.
All in all, there seems to be an array of activities and resources for moms in the Chippewa Valley, including the very Facebook group these suggestions came from.
