I never joined a RL mother's group because I had difficult, screaming babies, but joined a playgroup when my girls were 18 months and 2.5 yrs. I'm not sure if it was because they had all been together as a group from their babies' births, or if it was me but I never gelled and I didn't think I got anything out of it. I didn't think the girls did either - it was simply a different place we went to play.

I did form a very close friendship with three ladies from BB - you know who you are!! We were in the same belly buddies group together starting almost 5 years ago. We now have a private internet group and while I have never met any of them in real life, despite flying to Melbourne to do so (bad timing with a trip to the children's hospital!), I honestly don't know where I would be without them. They are the most supportive, understanding women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

I think mothers groups all come down to the individuals. If you're unlucky with those individuals, its not worth the time. If you get women like my three friends its the best thing in the world.