NuMama Sorority

Welcome to NuMama sorority. My acceptance date was last Mother’s Day, when a little plus sign showed up on a white stick. Much like a college sorority, I find that I instantly have a network of new acquaintances and friends – all because I became pregnant and have a baby.

You may first notice the presence of NuMama when the lady scanning your items at the store gives you a smirk when you purchased the pregnancy test. That’s followed by you smiling at a very expectant mommy in the waiting room of your OB’s office, while you wait for the good news to be confirmed. Then as your belly grows, other women, many complete strangers, approach you and ask the questions that never seem to get old: When are you due? What are you having? Is this your first? It’s a mini-interview with those “sisters” that have been through the whole process before (or, those that are going through the initiation process with you.)

Of course joining NuMama sorority doesn’t come without some hazing. There’s the morning sickness, the swollen ankles, the stretch marks, the once pleasant questions from your sisters turning in to “you haven’t delivered yet?!?” It all leads to the ultimate hazing of contractions (can I get amen?).

When all the hazing is done and you are officially initiated to motherhood, the benefits of this sorority are plentiful. You find yourself talking with other parents regarding breastfeeding, poop consistency, sleep patterns, cradle cap, pediatricians, daycares, returning to work, etc. Although they may be strangers, they are your sisters. They’ve been through it and want to help you through it, too.

Now when I’m out and about with my three-month old daughter, I welcome other mommies to the sorority. It’s a prestigious club that I’m blessed to be a part. From one NuMama sister to another, tell me about your initiation, hazing and benefits you’ve experienced with the NuMama sorority.