MOMS Club Provides Support, Friendships for North Hills Mothers

Lisa Weaver was the last one in her group of friends to have kids when she had her daughter nearly two years ago and quit her job as a full-time physical therapist.

Now president of the Ross/McCandless chapter of the International MOMS Club, she said the group — which provides part-time and stay-at-home mothers in the North Hills support ranging from company and play dates to free babysitting and a full fridge of home-cooked meals after a newborn arrives — was a wonderful discovery.

"Being a parent is like a new job," said Weaver, 33, of Ross. "It was a godsend to know we're going through the same thing at the same time — sleepless nights, breast feeding, when do you give a baby food?"

The Ross/McCandless chapter has about 33 members. Memberships are $25 a year, which covers snacks and crafts for the children when the club meets.

Activities range from play dates at the park to visits to the Pittsburgh Zoo or Heinz Field or outings for ice cream. The club also features adults-only outings for the moms.

An optional co-op is available for those who need a babysitter, and the moms also pitch in and help each other during stressful times: providing meals after a new baby arrives or during a move when the kitchen is unavailable. 

"The primary goal is to support moms during the day when they need help the most," Weaver said.

Jocelyn McCarty, past president of the club, said she's found it invaluable for the friendships it's helped her make.

"The kids, they have fun," said McCarty, 33, of Ross. "But it's more for moms."

"There's a lot of pressure on moms these days," she said, adding that the group is very open with each other about the challenges and struggles of parenting. "It helps just to know someone else out there lets their kids watch two hours of TV a day."

MOMS Club meetings are 10 a.m. the third Friday of every month at either  or the  depending on weather. A variety of other activities are also scheduled throughout the month. For more information about the club or to join, contact the club through its email address, rmmomsclub@yahoo.com.