So you just had a baby or a are going to have a baby very soon? Having had two children now, I can tell you my personal experience of those first few weeks. Aside from being tired and disoriented, you may experience times where you feel lonely and need support. Not because you are crazy but because you are human and having a baby can throw you off balance. Try one of my ideas and you will see that you're not alone :)
Here are some resources that may help you those first few weeks:
Bright Beginnings and Beyond
http://www.brightbeginningsbeyond.com/
A small, local store in the Riviera Village that not only carries a lot of the items you will need, but also has breastfeeding support groups weekly. I know they have two nurses there that help, and I have only been when Patty is working. You pay a fee of $10 and sit in a chair with a My Breast Friend Pillow and feed your baby among other nursing moms. It's a nice change from sitting at home, nursing your baby, because you have people to talk to. It's a very comforting and welcoming environment.
MMMM - Monday Morning Mommy Movies
http://www.pacifictheatres.com/MMMM.htm
This was one of my favorite things to do after I had both babies. Every Monday, at 11AM you can watch a newly released movie with your baby at the Beach Cities Pacific Theatres on Nash/Rosecrans. Most moms take their stroller and park it at the bottom of the theater. I have even seen boppy and my breast friend pillows make their way in. The lights are kept on, dimmed so you can easily feed and care for your baby. My favorite part - your baby can cry and it's OK!
Beach Cities Health District - Baby and Me Yoga
http://www.beachcitiesgym.com/
After my first son I came here for baby and me yoga (I was way too busy after my second son!) and it was nice to get back into exercise without doing anything too extreme the first few weeks. A lot of times I would miss several minutes of the class because my baby was either tired or hungry and I needed to care for him, but as he got older I was able to start getting my core back with a full yoga workout, while my baby either participated or watched. The prices at Beach Cities can't be beat and I've never had a teacher that I didn't love. They also have childcare for when you're ready to do a different class.
Stroller Strides South Bay
http://classes.strollerstrides.net/manhattanbeach/location/index.aspx
I am a big advocate for Stroller Strides. Once you get clearance from the OB to exercise, it's a wonderful way to start working out again, meet moms, and get support. The majority of classes are held at the beach, which is always a plus in my book. After the class there is a stretch and cool down, and several moms hang out to chat and feed the babies, or for playtime if the kids are older. There is also a Luna Moms Club that organizes play dates each month, and my understanding is that you don't have to attend the fitness classes to sign up. I made some great friends through Stroller Strides and I am very thankful that I had this resource after my first child was born.
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I am a mom to two boys (infant and toddler) living in the South Bay area of Los Angeles. Here you will find resources and happenings, either around and near the South Bay or on the web, as it relates to anything family and child specific. Since my kids are 3 and under, most of the information is relevant to the toddler crowd for now. Enjoy, and please post any questions or comments.
