As part of the free health care system in Scandinavia, professional wet nurses make regular visits to new mothers during their babies' early years. These nurses also organise local “mother groups”, which aim to facilitate the development of social networks between local mothers, and to promote play and friendships between the babies.

The mother groups are open to everyone, but newcomer mothers in Denmark - especially those with a refugee background - are sometimes hesitant to join. Language can be a barrier, for example, and participation in or coordination of meetings can be stressful to those unfamiliar with the context. As a result, women can risk becoming isolated and without networks to turn to for support in raising a child in a new cultural setting. In response to this, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is now working with wet nurses to organise local groups specifically tailored to the needs of women who are both new mothers and new to Denmark.

The 'New mother in Denmark' groups provide a safe space to talk about becoming a mother, child rearing, children's development, family life and plans after maternity. They also facilitate Danish language practice.

In addition to the mutual exchange of support, knowledge and experiences, these new groups also welcome health care and other professionals not usually present at mother groups. These can include, for example, dentists, local day care centre representatives, children's library staff, employment and education consultants or language stimulation consultants.

The networks developed through these new groups increase a mother's wellbeing and promote a safe start in life for her child. They also support mothers that the established system is not always able to reach, thereby promoting and strengthening integration.

New mothers living in Copenhagen can also find support and networks at the ’Kringlebakken’ integration house, previously promoted on EWSI as a good practice.