For new and expectant moms, the Internet and all the social opportunities that come with it are providing a great outlet for chatting, research and just talking to other moms. (Shutterstock.com)

Every parent has a close friend they can turn to for advice, but for Hilary Doucette, that friend is half a world away.

Social networking isn’t anything new. But for new and expectant moms, the Internet and all the social opportunities that come with it are providing a great outlet for chatting, research and just talking to other moms.

“I have formed relationships as far away as South Africa, and as close as down the road,” the British Columbia-native says.

“The Internet is the great equalizer as far as distances go these days. Although we have different methods of baby care in different countries, the fundamentals are still the same.”

And a new study is showing everyone just how common experiences like Doucette’s have become.

According to a recent survey, new moms on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are now finding themselves using the Internet to research health tips, environmental shopping choices and make new friends in faraway places.

“The Internet is becoming one of the most popular ways for moms to gather information, make informed consumer decisions, and connect with a network and tech-savvy community of mothers,” reads the study from Peanut Labs.

“Since I came home with Shae, and even while I was pregnant, the Internet has been an invaluable source of information and reassurance,” agrees Doucette.

“I always have iGoogle as my home page and often use it's networks when searching for mommy-answers.”

One of the study’s more surprising finds, though, is just how environmentally sensitive new mothers are likely to be. Up to 80% new and expectant mothers are concerned about the environment, and up to 72% of them are going to change their purchasing habits in the next year to reflect that concern.

New moms are paying attention to the environmental practices of major corporations more than ever before, too. Approximately two-thirds of moms who hear that a company is making great efforts to go green say that fact alone will influence their purchasing decisions.

But for Doucette, it goes much deeper than that. Social networking sites provide perspective. They provide a way of connecting with other moms, and realizing that everyone is going through the same ordeals, is looking for the same advice and just wants what’s best for their new child.

“It is also a way to unload and share some of the stresses of being a mom, and a great way to meet new moms, either close to home or in a totally different part of the world,” she says.

“It makes you realize that while we are living in different cultures and environments, moms are the same everywhere.”

And while only 13% of new and expecting moms are using the Internet for health tips — going to the doctor, or consulting family and friends are still the overwhelming majority — moms are googling their way to answers to everyday health questions more and more.

“Nothing replaces the advice of my doctor,” Doucette says. “But the Internet allows some peace of mind for minor medical and health concerns.”

“Every mom panics the first time her baby coughs or sneezes, so it is nice to ask more experienced moms’ opinions on what is happening, and then make the decision to stay home or go to the doctor.”

The portable parent

Parents are even taking advantage of apps available on their favourite smart phones. The ever-present iPhone even has a category for downloadable apps called “parenting.” In fact, four of the top 10 bestselling apps for the iPhone’s education category are designed for toddlers under four.

iPhone-toting parents can head to theiPhoneMom.com for a list of toddler-appropriate apps that can teach them everything from basic spelling to hand-eye co-ordination.

The best Facebook groups for moms

- ADHD Moms – a resource guide and sharing centre for parents of children with ADHD.

- Moms-who-sometimes-need-to-go-out-with-girlfriends-&-drink Secret Society — a social network for moms who love their children, but sometimes want to make a little time to hang out and chat with their girlfriends, with our without alcohol.

- Money Saving Mom – for coupon cutters, bargain shoppers and deal hunters the world over!

- Modern Mom Groups — For career women who double as moms and need a place to chat about the challenges, the balancing and the real world.

- The Mom Group – a place for moms to share the everyday challenges, ask questions and chat with other moms.