Now I am only around 11 weeks away from the arrival of our baby my mind is wandering to what happens after she arrives. I would really like to get out and meet other mothers, but feel my lack of conversational Italian would hold me back at this stage. I know in the UK there are lots of activities for new mothers and their babies, such as mother and baby groups, but every Italian I have spoken to does not seem to know if they exist here.
I know some expats set up small groups but Vicenza is not really a big expat area and the main expats that are here are Americans on the military base, where they seem to organise their own things for themselves only. I would also like to be meeting Italian's and improving my language skills as well, rather than just speaking English all the time.
Does anyone know if there are any group activities to save me from going mad after our baby is born, how I might find out abut them and if there are any websites showing such resources? Better still, anyone know of anything in the Vicenza region?

Thanks in advance.
Carrie

Hi

Where abouts in the Vicenza area do you live? is it anywhere near Treviso, I know if an expat group in Treviso

Joanne

Hi Joanne,

We are just over an hour from Treviso so not really local for us. Might be worth knowing about though, in case there is nothing I can find nearer, so I would appreciate it if you could forward some info Thanks! Do you go there?

Carrie

quote:

Reply

I used to be a member of the Treviso ladies club last year before I had baby, they meet in a hotel for coffee every month. It is mostly made up of American woman and the odd European woman.

Sadly, mums groups aren't really done here. I've tried with various Italian women but it never really works out (and I don't even have the language barrier). Part of the reason is that they usually have family members to rely on as an outlet. Also, I get really tired of hearing how my methods of child rearing are wrong (all meals for the baby need to be cooked from scratch, you carry that baby too much, you shouldn't give baby that brand of water, cereal, etc).
In my opinion you are better off finding a group of women who have a hobby (skiing, knitting, whatever) and find mums that way. Good luck and whenever you feel isolated -go out for a walk with baby you would be amazed how much it will help (and find a good babysitter too).

quote:

Sadly, mums groups aren't really done here. I've tried with various Italian women but it never really works out (and I don't even have the language barrier). Part of the reason is that they usually have family members to rely on as an outlet.

I can see how that's true. Kids here tend to have at least a few cousins they can play with. This is what I've seen, though considering the birth rate that shouldn't be true.

Hi - I can recommend a group in Bologna but that's not much good to you! I met quite a few mums through baby massage classes - my baby wasn't that into the massage but the classes were a nice chance to socialise! Try your local consultorio - they might know something about courses in your area. Good luck!

Hi Carrie. I am in Verona, and have not found any Mom Groups here. However, I'm not too far from you - someday we could get together. I have an 11-month old. Good luck with everything.

In Florence we have Ludoteca run by the comune and aimed at different ages at different times and days. They are free and well stocked with toys and craft activities. Some even have outdoor areas.

I would check with your local comune to see if something similar exists. All the mums are from the same area so although they are Italian speaking at least you will get to know people with toddlers and babies in your area.

quote:

Originally posted by AJ:
Hi Carrie. I am in Verona, and have not found any Mom Groups here. However, I'm not too far from you - someday we could get together. I have an 11-month old. Good luck with everything.

Hi AJ,

It would be great to meet up sometime. I will send you a PM with my contact details on.

Carrie

Thanks everyone for your replies. I figured the family connections account for the lack of outside of the family groups here.

I have found that the sports centre not far from here does baby swim classes from 3 months so we will go along to those. Also the hospital in Vicenza does baby massage so that will be something I would definitely be interested in.

I have asked my ostetrica and she said she does not know of any local groups or baby clubs so I may need to ask about some more.

I start my antenatal classes tomorrow and although the course runs for 8 weeks and I will not make the end of the course (have less than 7 weeks left until my date now ) I am hoping that I will meet some local mums to be that I can keep in touch with after our babies are born. The ostetrica even said there is one other English woman attending the course so that would be really useful, especially if her Italian is better than mine! (that's not difficult though!!)

Thanks again for all your input.
Carrie

quote:

Originally posted by AJ:
Hi Carrie. I am in Verona, and have not found any Mom Groups here. However, I'm not too far from you - someday we could get together. I have an 11-month old. Good luck with everything.

I AJ, I'm a mom of 2 girls (2 years and 1 month) and i recently moved with my husband to verona.
and I would be interested into discussing (not only about childrens...) with you or others in verona.

I hope to have contacts
gaelle

Hello Carrie,
I' ve read your messege long after it was written. Hope tou and your baby are doing well and you are finding your way in Italy. I have a 5yr and a 7 mnt old kids, I live in Padova but work in the Torri Q.area.
I'm not very good with computers so I do not know how to attach my e-mail address.

quote:

I'm not very good with computers so I do not know how to attach my e-mail address.

lorenz,

At the top of this thread click on Go and then click on Personal Zone and then click on Profile and there you can enter your email. It will only be available to registered users of Expats and not the general public as it would be if you attached it to posts.

Welcome to Expats in Italy.

Hello,
We just moved to Verona with our 15 month old daughter. I am looking to meet other moms and find other babies for her to play with. Have you had any luck finding playgroups or activities for babies. Do you want to try to meet for an espresso?
Ariana

quote:

Originally posted by AJ:
Hi Carrie. I am in Verona, and have not found any Mom Groups here. However, I'm not too far from you - someday we could get together. I have an 11-month old. Good luck with everything.

Hello,
We just moved here with our 15 month old and I am looking to meet other moms too. Have you had any luck yet? Do you want to try to meet?
Ariana

quote:

Originally posted by gaellejo:

quote:

Originally posted by AJ:
Hi Carrie. I am in Verona, and have not found any Mom Groups here. However, I'm not too far from you - someday we could get together. I have an 11-month old. Good luck with everything.

I AJ, I'm a mom of 2 girls (2 years and 1 month) and i recently moved with my husband to verona.
and I would be interested into discussing (not only about childrens...) with you or others in verona.

I hope to have contacts
gaelle

Hi there, just because there are not any groups does not mean there is not a real need.
We assume that Italian mums have large supportive networks but that is not always the case and many too are feeling quite isolated and lonely at time, perhaps when you are feeling a bit more settled and have a few more contacts try start a group yourself. I hope that you may attract some Italian mums too.

Hi AR. I moved back to the States the day that you posted your message looking to get together! Bad timing! I met with Gaelle before I left - she's a nice girl. Maybe you can meet with her. Good luck. Enjoy bella Verona!

hi
I am an Italian ex-expat mum and I am looking for a mum-groups in Padova.
Do you have any info?

thanks

Hi Carrie! You can find a listing of playgroups in Rome and also the means to try and start up new groups on the site www.RomeMama.com. Hope this helps! Lynn

Hi AR...I'm living in Asolo, but I am close enough for day visits! Are you up for meeting with a wanna-be mom? (awaiting adoption)
I'm also into yoga and graphic design (but doing hand painted work mainly) My email is on my website (which is on my profile) if you are interested!