How To Find A Mothers Group In Brisbane

Finding a good mothers group is something many mums long for almost before they conceive their baby. Mum groups can be about finding new friends who can relate to having a baby at a similar time, finding mums who live close by or just finding a way to get out of the house with a new baby. 

Whatever your motive, here we have listed some of the best ways to find a mother’s group which will hopefully see you sharing the highs and lows of motherhood and exploring Brisbane. 

Finding the perfect Brisbane mums group

• An early way of finding a mums group is by attending a prenatal class, most likely attached the hospital where you plan to give birth. This naturally connects you with mums who are having babies at similar times, (and also dads).
• Birth centres (if you are lucky enough to get into one) often have mothers groups as part of their community.
• Ask your child health nurse at your 6 weeks check up. Child health nurses speak to new mums all the time and often know the best groups in their local area.
• Ask Playgroup QLD – often playgroups are filled with new mums, (so don’t worry that you have missed out if you have moved to a new area or didn’t find a mothers group during pregnancy).
• Check with your local church especially community churches and Baptist Churches who seem to operate quality, (often daily), playgroup type sessions. Some even operate groups just for mums with new babies.
• If you have older kids in childcare ask your centre if they are aware of any mothers groups running locally.
• Check with your local library
• You could also consider a local exercise group for mums if you want to use this time to be both active, and meet new friends.
• https://www.meetup.com/en-AU/topics/moms/ has a list of lots of groups especially for mums, categorised by location and sometimes by interests like this one for surfing mums http://www.surfingmums.com/home/
• Use the Facebook search function to insert “North Brisbane mums” or “South Brisbane mums”, or be more specific and try and limit to your suburb. Ask to join and when you are accepted ask if anyone is aware of any local mums group, or if anyone would like to be a part of one! See below an example of how you might do this.

Our biggest tip on finding the right mothers group for you

Don’t wait for a mother group to find you. Go out and look for them!

Like playgroups or any other networking event, the first time can be awkward and that is ok. Remember, if it doesn’t work out then try another one. Don’t be put off by just one experience.

Mothers Group location ideas

Ideal locations to hold mothers group catch ups will vary depending on the ages of the kids and the size of the group. The time of the year also needs to be considered  – no one wants to be sitting in the blazing sun on a 30 degree day.

Mixing things up is always a good idea too. As the children age and your groups needs change, consider visiting different locations. Perhaps a different mum can be in charge of selecting the location each time you catch up. This is a great way to keep things interesting and explore new and exciting places with your children. 

Have fun at a playground. You can even use the Brisbane Kids website to search for a playground that is close to you or even find a cool playground that is fenced.  Finding venues with toilet and changing facilities is also important when heading out with young children, and we always list whether a playground has or hasn’t got toilets facilities. 

Play centres provide an indoor location for you to be able to share a coffee with friends and have older kids run off to join the fun. The good thing about play centres is that they tend to have specific toddler areas with soft fall grounds which are ideal for babies learning to crawl. Obviously, you also get the benefit of baby change facilities. The downside is the entry fee.

Libraries are another unlikely option for mothers group meetings and you might be able to tie it in with one of their free programs targeted to babies and toddlers. 

Coffee shops are a common destination (for obvious reasons), especially when it comes to smaller groups. The Brisbane Kids website is slowly populating a section with child-friendly cafes to make it easier to find places which are actively encouraging a young families. 

Baby/Mum movies sessions are run at most cinemas and they mean you can actually watch a movie, with friends, without worrying that your baby is going to upset anyone.

In the warmer months, look for local swimming pools that have splash and play areas.

Mother’s groups can be a great support especially in those early days of motherhood, so be sure to reach out and find a suitable group near you. And remember, you don’t have to stay in the group forever, but we have heard many mother’s which have remained lifelong friends with their very first mother’s group mums!