Woodbury resident and Plainview native Bonnie Novak and her friend Meryl Weinkranz were having lunch one afternoon talking about the ups and downs of pregnancy and the struggles they encountered as new moms. After talking for hours, they realized how nice and comforting it would have been to have had each other during their nine months of pregnancy as well as their beginning travels through motherhood.

"Having a close friend for support during this new adventure is needed and not something most expectant moms have," said Novak.

After doing some research Novak and Weinkranz were astonished by the percentage of women who suffer from post-partum depression due to feelings of loneliness and isolation. They found that there are limited opportunities for expectant moms to meet other expectant moms who live nearby and/or due around the same time. From this, the Mommy Match was born.

The Mommy Match was created to foster lifelong friendships among pregnant women as well as to give women the chance to share their own personal experiences with one another and the mission is to help establish friendships between soon-to-be mommies while offering them information about pregnancy and motherhood.

The Mommy Match welcomes expectant moms from all over Long Island during all stages of pregnancy. It is not just set up for first-time mothers - anyone is welcome. It is a place to discuss the joys and struggles of pregnancy as well as the preparation for the role as a new mommy. The Mommy Match is a four-week get-together with an optional fifth week allowing for expectant dads to meet other expectant dads. This gives expectant moms the opportunity to begin building their "mommy network" while enjoying dinner. Speakers are also at the dinners to share information on various topics from preconception through birth and beyond. Each week expectant moms will have the opportunity to socialize while gaining information from each other as well.

"Pregnancy is a very special and exciting time, yet it can also be overwhelming. It is nice to have friends who are experiencing the same feelings as you and the Mommy Match can help," said Novak.

The Mommy Match is $165 and includes all four all-inclusive dinners. The dinners are held at the City Café in Garden City and last approximately two to three hours. For more information please visit www.themommymatch.com or call 801-0486.