Circle of Support
Postpartum Group for Moms

The Circle of Support program was established to support moms (not just first-time moms) after the birth of a child.  Often moms suffer in silence; however, offering a circle of support can help in alleviating isolation and provide the opportunity to connect in a safe and non-judgmental environment with other mothers.  In addition, the group offers guidance, coping skills, stress management tools, peer to peer dialogue, understanding of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and communal encouragement while normalizing the transition into motherhood.  The group is facilitated by maternal mental health advocate and mom, Danielle B. Foster, LCSW who is trained in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders via Postpartum Support International.

Who: Moms following birth of a child

When: 2024 dates:

  • January 4th
  • January 18th
  • February 1st
  • February 15
  • March 7
  • March 21
  • April 4
  • April 18
  • May 2
  • May 16
  • June 6
  • June 20
  • July 18
  • August 15
  • September 5
  • September 19
  • October 3
  • October 17
  • November 21
  • December 5
  • December 19

2025 dates:

  • January 16th
  • February 6th
  • February 20
  • March 6th
  • March 20th
  • April 3
  • April 17
  • May 1
  • May 15
  • June 5
  • June 19
  • July 17
  • August 7
  • August 21
  • September 4
  • September 18
  • October 2
  • October 16
  • November 6
  • November 20
  • December 4
  • December 18

Where: The Parlor, the campus of SPUMC (entrance near basketball court)

Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Attendance: Free (must register here)  Refreshments Served.

Childcare: Free (must register here)

 

What to Expect:

In this open format group we will discuss many things moms often experience after childbirth such as but not limited to: stress, excessive worries, difficulty adjusting, sadness, depression, anxiety, fearfulness, guilt, shame, perfectionism, overwhelming thoughts, and difficulty sleeping.

In addition to connecting with others, moms can expect to learn and enhance coping skills, relaxation techniques, stress management methods, and discussion of various topics.

 

Why Circle of Support:

Women are more at risk of experiencing emotional difficulties following the birth of their baby more than any other time in their lives.  Postpartum distress can impact up to 20% of new mothers and can occur any time during the first year, and even beyond that first year, after having a baby.  Having a safe space to discuss these feelings can help in meaningful and powerful ways.

The Circle of Support Group provides an opportunity and a place to talk about both the expectations of motherhood and one’s actual experiences. Often there is a big gap between those two, and this group can help a mom have empathy for any feelings of disappointment or otherwise she may be experiencing.

For More Information, contact Circle of Support Facilitator Danielle B. Foster, LCSW at [email protected].