Hello and thanks for stopping by. Madison Mamas is a resource of links dedicated to modern families, focusing on pregnancy, groups, classes, activities, fitness, services, dining and shopping. With over 400 listings, you're sure to find some helpful information. And if you're looking for some fun posts, check out the links to the left. Please contact me with new listings and updates. Enjoy!  (photo by John Kuehl)

Be a Madison Mama Sponsor. For $120 per year, your business will receive priority listing and will be moved to the top of its category page and listed in bold. No need to scroll down the page through the alphabetized listings… hundreds of area parents will see your group or business first! Thank you to our current sponsors: Heidi K. Moore Photography, MamaTone with Dustin Maher, Peeps Eyewear, Holistic Moms Network, and Dr. Thomas Bartell.

Madison is a great city for your growing belly. Whether you're already pregnant or trying to conceive, moms have the best Hospital Birth Centers right at their doorstep. Spend those nine precious months taking a class in breastfeeding and cloth diapering, finding a doula or midwife, doing prenatal yoga or massage and most importantly, preparing for that little miracle. Read more in Clinics & Hospitals, Doulas & Midwives, Preparation and Yoga & Massage.  (photo by Maureen Cassidy)

It always feels good to be involved in something, for moms, dads and kids. And there are so many groups to join in Dane County. If you're a stay-at-home or working parent, there are social get-togethers, specific-interest groups, and even emotional support. Find new friends in these lists of Play Groups and Support Groups.  (photo by Tara Kuhlow)

Want to sign your child up for a class or two? Perhaps they need a creative outlet, a second language, a little music to keep their rhythm, or a 5-star rated Nursery School from YoungStar. Keep their little minds growing by enrolling them in Art & Theater, Language, Music, or Preschools.  (photo by Blue Dandelion)

Don't stay home and go stir-crazy. Find an activity around town, inside or out, that will keep those kids (and moms) busy. Choose from storytime to swimming, museums to movies, parks to pools and gardens to golf, many are free and don't need advanced registration. Read more in this list of activities Indoor and Outdoor.
(photo by Heidi K Moore)

Get your whole family moving with plenty of fitness options for kids, moms and dads. Sign your child up for ballet, gymnastics, karate, swimming and hockey. Or pull that stroller out and burn some energy in one of many open playtimes. Parents need to exercise too, so choose from yoga, pilates or a toning athletic club 
-- many of which offer childcare! Visit Dance, Kids Sports, Mom Fitness, or Open Gyms.  
(photo by Carrie Anciaux)

Does it feel like you're always in search of something for your kids? Whether it's finding a babysitter for a night out, ordering a custom safety gate, planning a toddler's birthday party, or having family photos taken. This list of services includes all sorts of useful links. Read more in Childcare, Local Services, Parties & Salons and Photographers.  (photo by Jennifer Hassrick)

I often hear parents asking each other where they take their family out to eat. Kid-friendly restaurants with highchairs and healthy menu options are better than diamonds to most moms. Shopping for specific baby items, children's toys or second-hand clothes also seem to be a topic of discussion. Or maybe you're expecting a baby and can't find the right maternity outfit. Browse the links in Dining with Children, Kids Consignment, Shop for Children and Shop for Mom-to-be.  (photo by Anya Wait)

My friend Colleen was recently inspired to bring "the outdoors in" for her daughter's bedroom closet. Using a grass Ikea rug, hand-painted clouds, fabric sewn pillows, a sheer curtain and new light, she created a little girl's dreamy space out of an un-used bedroom closet. Read more about her project at missiondecorate.com.