Sudbury Moms a website by moms, for moms

We are quickly becoming the search engine generation.  Looking for information on how to do something? "Google" it.  Parenting is no exception.  Gone are the days of having to fumble one's way through the trials and tribulations of parenting solo, with little or no knowledge.  With a few keystrokes, one can often find an abundance of information.

For those looking for a site replete with parenting advice, try searching Sudbury Moms.  At the top of the search list will be a site called Sudburymoms.ca, a non-profit forum created by Sudbury Moms, for Sudbury Moms for the purpose of supporting one other as they attempt to become better parents.

"In 2005, after the birth of my daughter Isabella, I felt a desire to meet other moms," said Sherry Hunt, the site's administrator.

"Initially, It started as a Yahoo! group, which eventually grew to about 30 members. It wasn't long before we saw a need to expand into an online web-based forum. My friend Crystal Desormeaux, a recent web design grad, partnered with me to help with the technical aspects of the board. She is also a board moderator. Her help has been invaluable to the site.

"Sudbury Moms has something most forums don't have which is a home base. All our members (moms and dads) live locally. Our members are some potential real-life friends.

"Many of our members have never met, yet they still have an unhesitating willingness to help strangers in need-with advice, comfort, childcare, recipes, prayers. It's very touching."

"We are not just an anonymous resource, we have all become friends. I like that there are nurses, doulas, midwifery students, etc. online here because it makes me feel better evaluating the advice given. I was really unsure whether I should take evening primrose during my pregnancy for Patrick, and I probably wouldn't have, if I didn't know Melissa was a doula," said a member named Carina.

"It's a wonderful online community to belong to. There's a feeling of security here, it's not open to the world, it's a place where a bunch of wonderful people come together to support one another, to offer advice or just to chit chat about everyday life. We often plan play dates and coffee-dates and one of the members recently suggested starting a volleyball or softball league, there's always something fun going on! It's a great place to be a part of," added another member named Sherry.

The parents from the site meet frequently for coffee nights, organize get-togethers between families, and host playdates amongst one another. They even plan an annual Christmas party where families gather together and donate gifts to charity.

Most recently, one of its members fell upon hard times. The whole board banned together to make meals for the family, fundraised, and bought gifts for the family for Christmas. They were a huge supportive network to this family in a time of need.

For more information, check out the site at www.sudburymoms.ca .