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Online forum a link for Lake Norman moms

By Kelli Robinson | Statesville R&L

Published: July 2, 2009

Jamie Rippie was eight months pregnant and looking for information to help her with the difficulties of pregnancy in 2006, when a friend suggested she turn to an online forum for moms.
Shifflet and Rippie, both Mooresville residents, are now members of LakeNormanMommies.com. In addition to finding information and resources, they say they also quickly developed a circle of friends. These local moms are just two members of the expanding network of 21st century moms, who have discovered the benefits of online parenting communities.
Inside Online Communities
An online community is a virtual neighborhood, a group of people sharing a common interest, who use the internet as a prime method of communication. According to a BabyCenter.com survey of 2,400 moms, 20 percent participate in online communities.
Why the appeal? Communication, collaboration and a sense of belonging are practically instantaneous. A mom frustrated with nighttime feedings can e-mail her online community at 3 a.m. Chances are another member experiencing similar frustrations will be awake to answer.
LakeNormanMommies is a local online community that is a part of the national organization The Mommies Network. LakeNormanMommies was founded in 2006 and currently has over 1,200 members. Membership stretches across the Lake Norman region, including Mooresville, Troutman, Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville and Denver.
The benefits of joining
Moms utilize online communities for a variety of reasons. Like Shifflet, many are seeking information. At first she was looking for basic information about her new town: doctors, hair stylists, and restaurants. The community was there for her again when she became pregnant and gave birth to her son seven months ago.
"The other moms offered amazing support after our son was born and I was struggling with breastfeeding and lack of sleep," she said. "Now it's a great place to get all kinds of tips as I experience motherhood."
Online communities allow members to be as involved or anonymous as they want. Some women post questions in the community, and disengage once they have the information they want. But many continue their membership, which grows into friendships with other members.
"The benefits have shifted from getting information to being a part of the community and making friends that will last a lifetime," Rippy said. "We actually meet (in person) and develop relationships. It's not just about chatting with someone over the internet."
Many communities have events that give members and families the opportunity to meet in person. From impromptu "Moms Night Out" to organized family gatherings, the virtual communities can be stepping stones for meeting others in the real communities.
"LakeNormanMommies has even played a part in some of the friendships my husband has formed," said Rippy.
Who can join?
According to the Web site, LakeNormanMommies membership is for moms and moms-to-be living in the Lake Norman area, or moms relocating to the area within the next six months. Interested moms can visit the website www.lakenormanmommies.com to join. The process is free and takes just minutes. Once you become a member, browse the various forums that include topics ranging from books and movies, to mothers of adult children, to lighter subjects like jokes and funny stories. Just point, click, and start chatting.