Are you part of a mommy group?

Well it’s good if you are – a study found joining a mommy group boosts a woman’s circle of friends.

Women who have just given birth add nine new local friends to their circle. The study found that before having a baby, women have a circle of 13 friends on average but that grows to 22 in the year after the baby’s birth.

Being a mom can be great for your social life. We all know that having a baby changes everything – and when you’re a first-time mom, moms typically bond with other new moms.

New mommy groups help new moms – they can support each other, offer emotional and practical support.  

The study, by Natures Purest, found that 53 per cent of new mothers felt it was surprisingly easy to make friends after having a baby, and 70 per cent of those said it was because they had so much “in common”.

Strong bonds are created almost instantly amid exchanges of views, hints and tips on subjects such as childcare plans, illness and how to get baby sleeping through the night.

Women who joined a “mommy club” when their children were young keep those friends throughout their life – and their children do too.

Nearly half of new moms made friends with other women at a mom and tot group. Four in 10 said they felt more comfortable sharing intimate and personal information with their new friends.

80 per cent of the women polled say they poured their heart out about their worry of being a good mother and the guilt over whether to go back to work after maternity leave.