10 Reasons Facebook Mom Groups Are The Best

Disclaimer: Not all Facebook Mom Groups are beautiful, wonderful places. I have joined (and left) a few that were not great. Whether they were too judgmental, a breeding ground for shaming, too dramatic, too bias, or simply not moderated well; they weren’t for me. However, I have found a couple of gems that I couldn’t live without. A good Mom Group prides itself on being a safe place for moms to talk openly and always encourages healthy conversation. It is well moderated and organized. There will always be the random bad apples, but my experience in sum has been positive. Without further ado, I give you ten reasons why your Facebook Mom Group is invaluable.

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1 | Advice

Because no one should have to go an entire night wondering if the color of your baby’s poop is normal. SOMEONE is awake at 3am to quickly respond and reassure you that it is. Or it isn’t.

2 | Humility Checks

Respectful dialogue and open discussion of differing views can be a humbling way to keep our inner sanctimommy in check. (Oh, go ahead and say you aren’t a sanctimommy- but I promise you have accidentally mentally judged another mom before you could stop yourself.)

3 | Gratitude for your Own Life

You know the saying, “If we all put our problems in a pile, we would take ours back” (or however it goes)… Well. There is nothing like 800 women telling horrific mother-in-law stories that makes you want to say a little prayer thanking God for one that brings you cake and takes you for pedicures.

4 | Laughs. Belly Laughs.

From threads of “post your best meme” to “why my toddler is crying today”, there are always hysterical blurbs throughout the day that will surely make you smile and probably snort a little.

5 | Solidarity

The ladies of the hive are right there ready to assimilate with your moments of needing a glass of wine before five, pretending Netflix deleted Caillou, hiding from your kids to eat candy in peace, or letting you vent about the tiny dictators we love so much but drive us insane.

6 | Retail Direction

Thanks to my groups, I now know exactly where to find the best jeans to fit my weird postpartum body, I learned that Nordstrom will turn any bra into a nursing bra and which grocery stores offer curbside pickup among many other valuable shopping tips.

7 | Cheerleaders

I have seen 50 members jump on a thread to cheer on a mama for her valiant accomplishment of taking a shower and getting dinner made in a single day. They know the struggles well and they are ready to high five you for your wins whether you found time to brush your teeth, got a killer deal at Target, or finally found (the unicorn) your “soul mom” on the playground. Any victory is worth celebrating.

8 | Pity Party Attendees

I use that phrase loosely. But, seriously. In a group of 17k, there are plenty of other chicks who’s husbands leave their dirty towels in the bathroom floor,  who want to cry because they spilled two ounces of breast milk this morning, or who are so tired they put their pants on backwards. If you want to be publicly sad (but not for your personal Facebook audience), they will be sad with you.

9 | Censor-Free Sharing

Are you dying to share the sweet picture you have of your baby breastfeeding but scared of the possible judgy backlash from your personal page? Want a safe place to admit that you are in a fragile state of postpartum depression and may need help? The Mom Group is the place for support and productive feedback.

10 | They Are Your Tribe

About a year ago, a mama named Liz Marquez suddenly died of cardiac arrest at only 32 years old, leaving behind her husband and five month old baby boy. A lady in her “Mom Group” started the “Milk for Brixton” movement and over 4500 ounces of milk were donated from mamas all over the country. It brings me to tears every time I think of this story. She didn’t know these women in person. This woman’s husband had no idea they existed, but they were her tribe. Her online family.

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A good “Mom Group” on Facebook can be the biggest sisterhood you could ever be a part of. When you have the wisdom and discernment to use your manners and follow The Golden Rule, it can truly be a priceless resource. It isn’t for some people. But, I think it’s beautiful. ♥