Takeaway: New motherhood can feel isolating — and you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re a first-time parent or navigating life with baby number two, here’s how to build meaningful friendships with other new moms during your maternity leave — plus where to meet them in Kitsap County.

Many new moms expect to feel supported after birth — and when the village we expected doesn’t show up, it can feel confusing and even embarrassing. As a therapist for moms, I often hear women share how surprised they were by the shifts in their social circles after becoming a parent. Friendships that once felt solid can drift, and it’s easy to wonder if you did something wrong. The truth is, feeling disconnected from your old support system is incredibly common — it’s just not something most women feel comfortable talking about. But it’s a natural part of this major life transition, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing.

Why New Moms Feel Lonely During Maternity Leave

Many moms experience a wave of support during pregnancy and the early days at home with a newborn. But once your partner goes back to work, the meal trains stop, and the excitement settles, you’re often left home alone with your baby — and the quiet can feel loud. That sudden shift can be jarring, and it’s one of the most common but least talked about parts of postpartum life.

If you’re feeling alone, you’re actually in good company. over 90% of moms feel lonely in early motherhood, which means nearly every other new (or new again) mom is craving connection, too. You’re not the only one hoping to find a village — the other moms are out there looking, too.

Moms Need Friendship to Thrive

Many new moms expect to feel supported after birth — and when the village we expected doesn’t show up, it can feel confusing and even embarrassing. As a therapist for moms, I often hear women share how surprised they were by the shifts in their social circles after becoming a parent. Friendships that once felt solid can drift, and it’s easy to wonder if you did something wrong. The truth is, feeling disconnected from your old support system is incredibly common — it’s just not something most women feel comfortable talking about. But it’s a natural part of this major life transition, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing.

How Friendship Supports Your Postpartum Mental Health

We’ve all heard that bringing home a new baby should be the “happiest time of your life,” and yet it’s hard to feel happy when you’re isolated from friends, family members, and any circles you relied on before baby arrived. Loneliness is a major risk factor for postpartum depression and anxiety — and as a therapist for moms, I take it seriously.

Friendship alone won’t prevent postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety, but having a support network can make the tough moments easier to get through. Connecting with other moms in the newborn phase can lower your risk of feeling disconnected from your baby, ashamed about your struggles, or overwhelmed by comparisons.

Addressing isolation early — rather than waiting for the toll to build — is one of the best ways to protect your mental health. Since maternity leave is often when social disconnection first sets in, it’s also the best time to grow your village.

Why Maternity Leave Is the Best Time to Make Mom Friends

Maternity leave is incredibly busy — you’re adjusting to a brand new baby, running on little sleep, and figuring out how to be a mom while everything around you shifts, including your relationships. It’s a lot to hold all at once. So when I suggest to new moms that they try to make a new friend during leave, it can feel like too much. I get that. But hear me out:

This is one of the best windows you’ll have to build the friendships you need for the months and years ahead.

Here’s why:

Getting ahead of the loneliness can improve your mental health and help you feel like yourself again.
Your maternity leave is one of the rare times when your schedule may be open enough to meet other moms and build friendships.
Your baby is still small and not crawling yet, so it’s easier to get out of the house and meet up with other moms.
These newborn-stage programs are made for moms like you — and they’re only available for a short time.

If you’re ready to meet other moms, this is a great time to start.

How to Meet Other Moms on Maternity Leave: 5 Practical Tips

Making new friends isn’t always easy, especially during the newborn phase. Many moms feel unsure about how to start, worry their social skills are rusty, or wonder if they’ll be judged for their parenting style. You might even question whether other moms are feeling as lonely as you are.

They are. And they’re hoping to meet someone just like you.

Here are five practical ways to build new mom friendships:

#1 – Put Yourself Out There

Friendship takes courage — and that means being the one to say hello first, introducing yourself, or reaching out to another mom. It can feel vulnerable, even awkward. But reminding yourself that most moms are looking for connection too can help you take that first step.

Once you’ve made a connection, exchange numbers and send a follow-up text with an invite to get together again. It doesn’t have to be a big event — a walk, coffee, or a simple meetup at the park is a great place to start.

#2 – Get Out of the House with Your Baby

You can make connections online, but there’s something special about in-person connection — especially when you’re navigating the early days of motherhood. Being outside the house can boost your mood, help you feel less isolated, and increase your chances of running into other moms.

Frequenting familiar local spaces — your favorite library, a nearby walking trail, or the community center — helps you cross paths with other moms who live nearby and are more likely to be available for regular meetups.

#3 – Look for Moms in a Similar Season of Life

At first, any kind of connection feels helpful. But over time, the most lasting friendships often come from shared experiences. Here are a few things that might make connecting easier:

Child age match: Having kids who are close in age (within six months) makes meetups easier — and means you’re navigating the same parenting phases at the same time.
Work status: Whether you're a full-time working mom, stay-at-home parent, or somewhere in between, meeting moms with similar routines can make it easier to find time together.
Family lifestyle: Your family might not look like the “traditional” model — and that’s okay. Whether you’re a single parent, part of a blended family, or co-parenting long-distance, meeting moms in a similar situation can offer comfort and understanding.
Budget for mom meetups: When you and another mom have similar financial flexibility, it’s easier to say yes to the same kinds of outings — whether that’s baby classes, coffee dates, or stroller walks in the park. It’s not about doing things the same way — it’s about being able to spend time together in ways that feel doable for both of you.

There’s no perfect checklist, and every friendship is different. But these shared touchpoints can help new relationships grow.

Best Places to Meet Moms in Kitsap County, WA

f you’re local to Kitsap County, Washington, here are some of the most frequented spaces where new moms meet and connect. I’ve grouped them by city so you can easily find support close to home. If you’re not a Kitsap local, use this as inspiration to explore what might exist in your own community.

One important note: There are currently no PEPS groups in Kitsap County — a fact that many local moms feel deeply. PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) is a popular nonprofit in the Seattle area known for connecting expecting and new parents in small-group, peer-led settings. Without it, finding your people can feel harder — but there are still plenty of ways to build your village here in Kitsap.

Bainbridge Island

Mom Support Groups in Bainbridge Island

Luna Circle – A monthly peer support group for pregnant and postpartum women, led by postpartum doula Sophia Tschida. It’s a warm, story-based gathering I personally attended during pregnancy. Donation-based, and no one is turned away for lack of funds.
Mom’s Morning Retreat – A twice-monthly group for moms in all stages of motherhood, focused on community and self-growth. Facilitator Jen Breen leads reflective activities, and childcare is provided. Annual fee (~$150) with scholarships available.

Baby-Friendly Places to Meet Moms in Bainbridge Island

Kidimu Museum’s Minimu Program – A free Wednesday morning enrichment program for babies and toddlers during the school year. Includes music, story time, and open play.
Family Swim at the BI Aquatic Center – Parks and Rec hosts family swim time and parent-baby swim lessons, making it easy to meet moms with similarly aged children. The weekend classes are frequented by working moms.
Story Song Music Class – This was the first place I made my mom friends. Teacher Katie creates a fun, welcoming environment for moms and littles. It's where I planned my first playdate!
The Bainbridge Island Library – Hosts baby story time upstairs and then families migrate to the children’s library downstairs to connect and let the kids play.

Poulsbo

Free Mom Support Groups in Poulsbo

Giggles and Grow at Nurturing Expressions – A free, laid-back weekly get together to talk about postpartum life that is focused on making friends. They call it a social club, but with babies. Nurturing Expressions also offers breastfeeding support and baby weigh-ins.
Nourish Feeding Therapy Play Groups - Free playgroups with lessons related to infant massage, starting solids, and a tongue tie support group.

Baby-Friendly Places to Meet Moms in Poulsbo

Raab Park – There are many parks in Poulsbo, but Raab is my favorite. It was recently renovated and includes wonderful community gardens that my toddler loved to walk through. A simple walk with your stroller can be a powerful reset — and a place to cross paths with other moms.
Indoor Pool at North Kitsap Community Pool – Open family swim hours and baby swim classes are a common place for new parents to hang out, especially in winter when parks are too rainy or cold.
Poulsbo Library – Hosts baby story time + the moms stay and play with the babies afterwards.

Silverdale

Baby-Friendly Places to Meet Moms in Silverdale

Silverdale Library – Hosts Baby Band, a free music hour for infants, and baby story time. These events are often followed by informal hangouts among moms who attend.
Haselwood Family YMCA Indoor Pool – Another great spot for parent-baby swim classes and family swim time, especially during rainy months.
Cascade Elite Gymnastics West - The Little Crawlers and Parent + Tots classes are professional, fun, and a great place to meet other moms.

Kingston

Baby-Friendly Places to Meet Moms in Kingston

Kingston Library – The Kingston Library offers baby story times and classes like Baby Band. These events bring out moms from the community and usually lead to casual conversations afterward. In summer months, the park adjacent to the library is a great place to meet moms, too.

Bremerton

Baby-Friendly Places to Meet Moms in Bremerton

Bremerton Library – Hosts Baby Band, a free music hour for infants, and baby story time. Many moms stay after the classes to connect and socialize.

Local Therapy for Moms in Kitsap County

If you’re feeling lonely and isolated as a new mom, therapy can help. Whether you’re navigating postpartum emotions, missing your old social circle, or unsure how to connect with other moms, I’m here to support you.
As a therapist based on Bainbridge Island, I offer therapy to women and moms all across Kitsap County at every stage of motherhood — pregnancy, postpartum, early parenting, second or third-time moms, and military families, too. And I know firsthand how tough it can feel to raise a baby in a place without a PEPS group.
In our sessions, we can explore ways to ease the transition into motherhood, practice real-life connection skills (like asking another mom to hang out), and build your confidence as you grow your village.
Click here to schedule your Free Intro Call - no pressure, just a chance to see if we’re a fit.
Not quite ready for therapy? Join Through Thick and Thin (click here), my monthly newsletter for Washington Moms. The newsletter is a way to learn about new mom support group options, mom meetups, and learn about other local providers who support pregnant and postpartum women.
Coming soon: a support group just for working moms in Kitsap County. Stay tuned!

How to Make Mom Friends During Maternity Leave in Kitsap County, WA