New moms need support and friendship, but for too many mothers, the early years of raising kids are isolated and solitary. Unfortunately, during the time when you may need the support most — when you're home with a new baby — it can be really hard to get out of the house and meet other moms.

To avoid postpartum loneliness, it's a good idea to hook up with other moms during your pregnancy so you'll have a built-in support network. Here are some ways you can meet other moms:

• Your church or religious community: Many churches have active support groups for mothers. MOPS, or Mothers of Preschoolers, is one such support group. Check with other mothers in your church and visit Appendix B for a list of resources to try.

• Mothering groups and classes: Check your local community center, hospital, birth center, or continuing-education catalog for parenting classes or support groups for moms. If you're planning on breastfeeding, it's a good idea to arm yourself with encouragement and support by attending a breastfeeding class or La Leche League meeting before your baby is born. For a list of motherhood-related support groups, see Appendix B.

• Prenatal exercise classes: Taking a prenatal-yoga or aerobics class can do more than keep you physically healthy — it can also introduce you to a group of other expecting moms. Get to know the other women in your class, and arrange to meet up outside of class before or after your babies are born.

Of course, you don't have to start spending all your time with other expectant moms just because you're having a baby. The friends and family who are already in your life also want to be a part of your experience. The problem, however, is that the people closest to you often aren't sure how to help out, and you may not know what to ask for.

This is especially true if you have friends and family who don't have their own kids. They simply may not be able to relate to what you're going through. The following are a couple of specific, fun ways you can ask others to help you prepare for a great postpartum experience:

• Meals: Toward the end of your pregnancy, you can throw a meal shower. Guests arrive with frozen meals that can be reheated for easy eating after your baby is born. Or invite friends over to your house and provide ingredients, a stove, and refreshments. Your friends can cook several meals for your freezer.

• Cleaning: You provide snacks and cleaning supplies; they provide the elbow grease. Get some friends together close to your due date to help you get your house in tiptop shape by doing the jobs you can't — like the ones that include climbing on stools or using cleaners with noxious fumes.

It's important that you communicate freely with your friends and family as your pregnancy unfolds. As long as everyone is aware of your wishes and knows how you're feeling, the people you care about most can continue being a big part of your life. All it takes is a little patience and understanding to maintain a strong support system.