This is more likely to be the case if many of your friends don't have children - suddenly your life has changed beyond recognition and you may feel as if you don't have much in common with your old friends. It's crucial to keep these friendships alive, although this is often easier said than done when you're coping with the endless demands of a new baby! Read our features on How to keep your friendships after becoming a mum and When your best friend has a baby for more advice.

However, it's also very important to make new friends when you become a mummy; not only because you can share tips on parenting - everything from how to survive sleepless nights to how to get your baby to latch on - but also because this is a great way for your children to form friendships.

But how exactly do I make these new 'mummy friends', I hear you cry! Fear not - help is at hand. Here 's gurgle's guide to the best ways to form new friendships when you become a mummy:

*Take up a form of postnatal exercise, such as powerpramming! Most new mums are keen to find a way to get their pre-birth body back and activities such as these are often very popular. If you've yet to have your baby, you could try a more gentle form of exercise, such as pregnancy yoga.

*Join a mum and baby group, such as a baby massage class or toddler pre-school group. A recent gurgle poll revealed that 44% of our gurglers made their new mummy friends this way.

*This same poll showed that 33% of our gurgle members met their mummy friends in an antenatal class. Attending childbirth preparation classes before you have your baby is a great way to make new mummy friends. In fact, I met my best friend in an antenatal class and our daughters, now six, are like sisters. These classes not only help you prepare for birth, but you can share your pregnancy experiences with other mums-to-be and chat about everything from how to get a good night's sleep during pregnancy to how to deal with those pesky stretch marks!

*Straight after giving birth, making new friends is probably the last thing on your mind but a surprising number of women actually make life-long friends in the maternity ward! Bringing a new life into the world can really bond women together, as you've just shared this incredible life-changing experience.

*The playground can also be a great place to meet other mums. It can be scary to put yourself out there, but take comfort in the fact that the other mummies will be feeling just as nervous as you! Just go up and introduce yourself; children are a great talking point - especially if you're a new parent you are bound to have lots to talk about, such as how to get your baby to sleep through the night!

*You can also make mummy friends online. On gurgle, you can visit our chat forum and share all your worries and concerns with other gurgle members. If you think you know the answer to a parenting query, you can also help other new mums out. Or you can create your own group, such as a 'breastfeeding' or 'sleepless nights' group, where you can meet other parents in the same boat as you and lend each other a helping hand.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Last Modified: 04/03/2009