The New Network

Other parents can be an important early source of support and information. Here are ten ways—some free—to get connected.

1 Bloom Yoga Studio, a husband-and-wife-owned business, holds a monthly Mama Get Together and a Becoming Mothers Group in its space on the Northwest Side. 4663 N. Rockwell St.; 773-463-9642, bloomyogastudio.com

2 Founded by two family therapists and early childhood educators, The Family Room in Evanston runs discussion groups and workshops, as well as a drop-in playtime. 3009 Central St.; 847-328-7529, famroom.org

3 A volunteer organization run by and for Hyde Park parents of babies and young children, the Hyde Park Parent Support Network organizes a variety of play groups and runs a drop-in playroom. 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave.; hydeparkpsn.org

4 A mother who is also a clinical psychologist created the New Mom Network, which holds workshops for new moms at Lincoln Park's Gymboree at 1030 West North Avenue. newmomnetwork.com

5 Started in New York but now operating here, Swellbeing runs new-mom groups and classes in the city and western suburbs. 312-676-1948, swellbeing.com

6 A largely volunteer-run organization with about 4,000 member families, NPN, formerly known as Northside Parents Network, runs several dozen support and play groups around the city. 312-409-2233, npnparents.org

7 Staffed by early childhood professionals, the Oak Park-based Parenthesis conducts new-moms groups and offers a morning drop-in program with childcare. 405 S. Euclid Ave.; 708-848-2227, parenthesis-info.org

8 Based on the work of a local couple, Martha and William Pieper, Smart Love Family Services runs a variety of discussion groups and workshops for parents. 773-665-8052, smartlovefamily.org

9 A yoga studio specializing in classes for expectant and new parents, Sweet Pea's Studio in North Center offers new-moms groups hosted by local experts. 3717 N. Ravenswood Ave., Suite 213; 773-248-9642, sweetpeasstudio.com

10 The Family and Child Development Center offers a Thursday afternoon drop-in program for parents and children; child development specialists are on hand to answer questions. Contact Norma Irie at 312-440-1203.

Illustration: Julia Kuhl