A new program for connecting local moms with other moms to bolster friendships and learning opportunities has been launched.

Mommy Connections Red Deer provides all kinds of information and programs plus times for new parents to get together and share their experiences.

It’s a critical service for new parents who can sometimes find themselves feeling a bit isolated, particularly if they aren’t from the local area, says the group’s program director.

“I wanted an idea of something like this to do in Red Deer, because there isn’t much here for new moms,” said Claire Weisse. After having her first baby four years ago, she put her career as licensed practical nurse on hold so as to spend as much time as possible with her newborn.

Today, she’s the mother of three boys and knows firsthand the importance of being able to connect with parents who are living a similar lifestyle.

“I love to socialize, meet new people and explore new things, but that isn`t always easy when you don`t know of lot of other moms with young children or don`t know what there is to do in our city with babies in tow.”

Weisse said she stumbled across an organization called Mommy Connections one day while surfing the net this past spring “and it was exactly what I was looking for — a cool and interesting post-natal program where I could get to know other moms and babies, while getting in some parenting information as well. The only problem was that the program was offered in Edmonton.

“I thought this is perfect – we need this in Red Deer.”

So she contacted Carol McBee, Mommy Connection president, to see if she could bring the program to Red Deer. McBee agreed to extend the organization to Red Deer.

Meanwhile, post-natal scheduled meetings begin Sept. 7 at the Clearview Meadows Community Centre, located at 93 Cornett Dr.

Sessions will run Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for six weeks.

A new set of sessions will begin every other month.

Topics will run the gamut from ‘Mommy and Baby Health and Safety’ to ‘Sign Language and Story Time.’ Those dropping by will also check out subjects such as baby massage and mom and baby yoga, she said.

To help get things underway, a Sitter Connections meeting is set for Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. It will be held at Doodlebugz Children’s Boutique (#3, 255 Davison Dr.).

Weisse said about a dozen qualified, local babysitters will be onhand to meet with local moms regarding babysitting opportunities.

Pre-registration for both sitters and families interested in attending is required, and there is a cost of $35 per family (sitters attend for free). Part of the proceeds will be donated to the new Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer.

Meanwhile, she’s excited at the prospect of organizing the program locally where parents “can make new friends, learn about different aspects of parenting from the experts and see how baby-friendly our city really is.

“I love it. I love organizing things, so this is right up my alley.”

For more information or to register for coming events, check out www.mommyconnections.ca.