It isn't unusual for mothers to find their social lives reduced to zero once kids arrive. Like any other relationship, friendship only works if time and communication are invested in it. At first, you and your friends might have to go through a period of adjustment--especially when the kids are still young.
Things may feel a little cool and distant when you become busy with your baby, but a good friend will understand if you're not always free to slip away for coffee. Eventually, you will realize that you need a break--and your friends are the perfect people to take it with. And the fact that free time is more valuable now that you've added motherhood to your list of responsibilities just means that you'll learn to value the friends who stick by you and wait for you to free up an hour or two even more.
Here are some pointers to make sure your friendship survives motherhood.
For more on friendship, check out these FN articles:(First published in Good Housekeeping Magazine
, Features section as "Forever Friends" in May 2008; adapted for use in Female Network)
