Ways to Meet Moms in Cleveland

12 Ways to Meet Other Moms in Cleveland

 You’ve probably heard that it takes a village to raise a child, and we totally agree! We also believe that it takes a village to raise a Mama! Maybe you just found out you're pregnant, or perhaps you are an experienced parent with a growing brood. Whatever season of motherhood you are in, you may be looking to expand your circle of friends. We are here to help you find your tribe. Here are 12 ways to meet other Moms in Cleveland. OnlineIf you thought online ‘dating’ was just for singles, you are totally mistaken. Meeting moms online is ideal for most of us, since time is short and we all have many family responsibilities. Connecting with other moms online can be really helpful, especially during those early infant months, when getting out may be a little trickier. Try meeting moms on the following platforms:

1. Facebook Groups - Yes, Facebook can be a bit trolly, so make sure you only search for and join Facebook groups that are in-line with your personal values and philosophies. Three popular Cleveland-area are Facebook groups are Cleveland Natural Parenting, which is an attachment parenting group, Cuyahoga Parents Connect,   Cleveland West Side Moms, and Cleveland East Side Moms.
2. Meetup.com - Meetup is a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals. You can scroll through groups or search your own term within a geographic vicinity. We searched ‘parenting’ within a 25-mile radius of Cleveland and found over two dozen separate groups that host regular in-person meetings throughout the area, including a Homeschooling Moms group and a community for single parents.  
3. Tinyhood - Tinyhood is an app that connects moms locally. Think Tinder for parents, except way less creepy! You can download Tinyhood for free and connect to different communities within the app based on your location and specific interests. This platform is quite engaging and you can set your notification preferences to keep as involved as you prefer.

 IRL! (That’s in real life)  Interaction with other parents online is often the most convenient, but nothing can replace connecting with parents and friends in-person. Here is a thoughtful list of mom-friendly activities that will help you make new friends.Motherhood Support Groups

4. Fertility Moxie - For mothers who are trying to conceive, The Womb Wellness Center, in Solon, hosts a monthly fertility support group for women to share their journeys together.
5. ICAN of Greater Cleveland -  The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) has a local chapter that meets monthly at the North Royalton branch of the Cuyahoga County Library. ICAN is a great way to meet other mamas that are planning or have had a VBAC.
6. Breastfeeding Support Groups - Nursing an infant is a full-time job, which may come with many challenges. We are so lucky to have several breastfeeding support groups here in Cleveland. La Leche League has many chapters, with established meetings, in the area and Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio facilitates PREP +, which is a group to assist nursing mothers that plan to return to work.

 Mommy and Me ClassesIf wandering around Target with your baby or toddler has become a ritual, consider engaging in a less mundane activity with your little one(s). Parent-child classes serve as a great way to bond with your babe and meet other moms.

7. Infant massage - Infant massage is a wonderful way to bond with your baby. You will have the opportunity to learn and practice many soothing massage techniques on your little one. Consider attending this infant massage class which is held monthly, at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Wellness Center, and is taught by our very own Lisa Falkenstein.
8. Family Connections - With two eastside locations, Family Connections offers local families year-round, free and low-cost playtime, literacy, and family engagement programming. Many playgroups are drop-in and ongoing, so they can fit into your busy schedule.
9. Thrive Arts Center - Thrive offers awesome family programs and activities including a variety of family kindermusik programs, dance classes for even the tiniest of tots, art classes, and music lessons.

 Prenatal and Postpartum Exercise ClassesDon’t sacrifice your health and fitness routine just because you are pregnant or are new to motherhood. There are several great prenatal, postpartum, and motherhood-friendly fitness classes and are a great way to meet moms in Cleveland.

10. BirthFIT - BirthFit Cleveland is the regional chapter of a national program, run by Dr. Candace Gesicki. Birthfit offers education, community, and group health and fitness classes for every stage of motherhood.

11. Prenatal Yoga - Yoga offers substantial benefits for the mind, body, and heart, and attending a prenatal yoga session is a wonderful way to connect with other expectant mothers while preparing for birth.  Awaken Yoga in Mentor offers a great prenatal class every Sunday and Puma Yoga Studio in Lakewood offers ongoing prenatal, baby and me, and postnatal yoga classes, as well.

12. Stroller Strides - Stroller Strides is a fitness program developed by FIT4MOM, and offers a 60-minute total body workout. Let’s be honest, you probably spent quite a bit of effort and money on that baby buggy. Put it to good use, as you lull your sweet baby to sleep, all while getting an effective workout with friends. There are three different FIT4MOM Stroller Strides program locations in the greater Cleveland area.

 If you are looking for even more ways to connect with other mothers in Cleveland during pregnancy and early parenting check out our resource page, which offers a comprehensive list of local support groups, services, and referrals to help your growing family.

Nurtured Foundation offers a variety of services to the Cleveland and parts of Akron.  Our services include birth doulas, postpartum doulas, night doulas (also known as baby nurses or night nannies), in-home massage, and sleep consulting.  More info can be found here.