How to Find Your Mom Friends In Real Life with Macie Miller
Navigating the early days of motherhood can feel isolating. Between figuring out nap schedules, feeding routines, and the sheer exhaustion that comes with being a new mom, building a support system might be the last thing on your mind. But what if your best mom friend was out there waiting to connect?
I’m thrilled to share my conversation with Macie Miller, founder of The Mom Walk Collective, a community that’s revolutionizing how moms form real-life connections. We dive into the importance of community and how to find those genuine friendships that make all the difference in the postpartum journey.
In this episode, we will cover:
Why building real-life community is crucial for postpartum recovery and new mom support.
How The Mom Walk Collective is reshaping motherhood by making connections more accessible for every new mom.
The powerful link between postpartum self-care and having a strong, supportive village around you.
… and a whole lot more!
The Importance of Real-Life Connections
One of the first things Macie emphasized was the importance of in-person connections. As much as we all love the convenience of texting and social media, there’s something about face-to-face interactions that can’t be replaced. Whether it’s at a local park or a weekly walk, showing up in person can spark those moments that make a real friendship bloom.
Macie’s personal story resonated with me deeply. She talked about how she started The Mom Walk Collective not only to build a support system for herself but to create spaces where other moms could connect in the same way. “You need a community,” she said. “When I was a new mom, I needed someone who got it — not just the advice but the feeling of being seen and heard.”
The truth is, most of us don’t have a roadmap for building friendships as adults, especially in a stage of life that is constantly evolving. But Macie’s message is clear: you don’t need to figure it out alone. The support is out there; you just have to make the first move.
The Biggest Barrier to Finding Mom Friends (And How to Overcome It)
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation came when Macie shared what she believes is the biggest thing holding moms back from forming real-life friendships:
Comparison.
It’s sneaky. It starts small—Will I fit in? Will they judge my stroller?—and before you know it, you’ve convinced yourself you’re the only one with a kid who screams in the car seat or throws sand at the playground.
But the truth?
No kid is perfect. No mom is perfect. And we’re all just figuring this out together.
Macie said it best: comparison is like a weed in your mind. It creeps in and chokes out the connection you’re craving. But once you see another mom handle a tantrum mid-walk, or hear someone admit they had to leave early because their toddler lost it—you realize: Oh. It’s not just me.
And that realization can be everything.
Macie even shared how she’s had to step away from her own walk events when her kids were having a rough day. And that’s normal—and allowed. “Come when you can, leave when you need to,” she says. “We’re here for you either way.”
That kind of understanding only happens in spaces where vulnerability is welcome.
The Power of the Small Moments
What I love most about how Macie tells these stories is how she highlights that it’s often the smallest moments that spark the biggest friendships.
One of her closest friends at The Mom Walk Collective? They connected because she overheard Macie talking and ran up behind her stroller to jump in on the conversation.
Another mom she knows struck up a friendship by complimenting someone’s shoes at the library.
It doesn’t take much. A smile. A kind word. A moment of courage to say, “Hey, I’ve been there too.”
Macie reminded us that we’re not running into each other in line at the grocery store anymore. Our lives are streamlined and busy and digital. But connection still craves real-life contact.
And yes, it can be scary to put yourself out there. But that small leap could lead to a friend you can’t imagine doing life without.
Showing Up is the Secret
One of the most honest things Macie shared was how long it took her to feel like she was making real connections.
For months, she showed up to host walks, seeing other moms become fast friends, while she wondered if it would ever happen for her. But she kept coming back.
And eventually, it did.
“Your best friend could show up at any moment. But also—you don’t need a best friend to have a village.”
Can we just pause there for a second?
Read that again: You don’t need a best friend to have a village.
Sometimes your support system is a group text of 70 women who’ve only met once or not at all, but who will drop a prayer request or parenting tip the moment someone asks. Sometimes it’s a mom who pushes your stroller so you can chase your toddler. Sometimes it’s a new friend who brings you coffee and a note on a hard day—just because.
But none of that happens if you stop showing up.
The Joy You Didn’t Know You Needed
One of the sweetest parts of our conversation was when Macie said that what surprised her most about these friendships was how fun they are.
“Sometimes it feels like being a kid again with your friends—belly laughs and inside jokes. It’s just… joy.”
Isn’t that what we all need more of?
Motherhood can be heavy. But community makes it lighter. Whether it’s sharing snacks, taking turns holding someone’s baby, or just having someone look you in the eyes and get it—you walk away from these moments feeling lifted. Lighter. Not so alone.
You Don’t Have to Mom Alone
Whether you’re the kind of person who walks right up to a stranger or someone who needs to warm up slowly, there’s space for you. There are moms who get it. And there’s a village waiting.
If you’ve gone to one walk and didn’t click with anyone? Don’t give up. Go again. Different moms show up every time. And your people might be there next week—or the week after that.
And if you’re the mom wondering whether you’ll ever have someone drop a surprise latte on your doorstep… Macie said it best:
“I used to see that on the internet and wonder if I’d ever have that. Now I do. Because I put myself out there—just a little bit.”
You don’t have to spill your soul on day one. But even a little vulnerability can open the door to the kind of connection that makes motherhood feel less lonely—and a lot more joyful.
Ready to build your village?
If you're craving a community where you can be seen, heard, and supported on your postpartum journey, join the waitlist for the A Bridge to Motherhood Community. This is your space to find connection, share your wins (and struggles!), and get the real, down-to-earth support every new mom deserves.
Get on the waitlist today and be the first to know when doors open! We can’t wait to welcome you into this empowering, life-changing community.
Need help figuring out how to protect your relationships and your peace?
Grab The New Mom Reset: Simple Steps to Feel Like Yourself Again —a free guide to help you feel like you again in the middle of this wild, wonderful season.
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