Find Your Safe Haven: What Postpartum Support Groups Are and Are Not
Are you a parent who is feeling overwhelmed? Are you looking for a safe haven where you can share your raw thoughts and feelings without judgment? If so, then postpartum support groups may be the answer for you. Postpartum support groups provide an open, safe, and inclusive environment for new moms to connect. In these groups, you will find community and universality among members. You don't have to go through this challenging time alone—help is available!
What Is a Postpartum Group for BIPOC, Nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ Parents?
A postpartum group for BIPOC, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ parents is a uniquely tailored support circle where individuals can gather to discuss their experiences as birthing or parenting people. This type of group specifically acknowledges that different communities face unique challenges surrounding childbearing and parenting. It invites members to share concerns, ask questions, and be fully present with what they are experiencing.
Benefits of Joining a Safe, Inclusive Postpartum Support Community
The benefits of postpartum groups are numerous and include: a safe space to discuss experiences, shared understanding and support, helpful resources and ideas, improved mental health outcomes, greater self-acceptance, and improved relationships between parents.
By joining a postpartum group for BIPOC, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ parents, members feel heard and seen in their most raw and vulnerable states.
What does building a Postpartum Support community look like?
Within postpartum groups, members work together to create a community. This could include sharing stories, offering advice and support, providing resources, and problem-solving. Groups can provide soothing rituals such as healing circles and somatic work. By nurturing this sense of community, valued relationships are built through which members can help each other through the postpartum transition.
Does universality Matter for a Postpartum Support Group?
Universality is a key element in postpartum support groups, as it allows members to identify common challenges and themes that can be addressed together. This creates a powerful bond among group members and helps foster an environment of understanding and acceptance. Additionally, universality allows for the respectful exploration of differences so that community members realize that they are not alone.
How does universality show up in This Postpartum Support Group?
Universality can be nurtured in postpartum groups through shared challenges, everyday experiences, and recognition of diversity. Group members may discuss struggles such as sleep deprivation, the difficulty of finding time for self-care, and challenges with breastfeeding. Throughout these discussions, individuals are often surprised to find that their experience is not unique—it is something that many others can relate to. Universality also allows for celebrating different family structures, parenting styles, and cultural backgrounds. This way, members can appreciate each other’s unique experiences while recognizing what we all have in common.
What If I Feel My Emotions Are Too Much for an Online Postpartum Support Group?
Feeling apprehensive about sharing your feelings in a postpartum group is normal. But remember that you are not alone—everyone in the group is likely feeling similar emotions, and together we can support each other through them. Research shows that the more support a birthing parent has, the less likely they will develop postpartum depression. This group provides a safe space for postpartum mothers and other birthing parents.
What a Postpartum Support Group Is Not
A postpartum support group is not a space to provide medical advice or treatment. It is not a place for judgment, criticism, or shaming. Instead, it is a safe and affirming environment that honors the unique needs of each individual and encourages members to share their stories without fear of judgment. By joining a postpartum support group, individuals can find strength in the collective experience of their peers. Our postpartum support groups are designed to create a safe and inclusive space for overwhelmed moms and other caregivers. We recognize that different communities face unique challenges surrounding childbearing and parenting, which is why we strive to provide understanding and acceptance for all members.
Feeling Hesitant About Joining a Postpartum Support Group for BIPOC, Nonbinary, and LGBQTIA+ Parents?
If you’re feeling hesitant about joining a postpartum support group, remember that these groups are safe and inclusive spaces to share your experiences. You can trust that your feelings will be respected, honored, and understood by everyone in the group. Joining a postpartum support group for BIPOC, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ parents is a way to find support and unity.
Our Postpartum Support Groups in California Begin in January 2023!
At Whole Mother Therapy in California, we are committed to providing postpartum support to all parents. In January 2023, we will launch online postpartum support groups for nonbinary, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC parents. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels safe, welcome, and accepted. We believe that by nurturing a sense of universality, we can help overwhelmed moms and other birthing people to find essential postpartum help and support. We hope that you’ll join us for an online postpartum support group and allow us to be a part of your journey.
GET POSTPARTUM SUPPORT IN CALIFORNIA
If you are a mother or birthing person anywhere in the state who is learning to be a parent and coping with all the associated stress, help is available. Online therapy in California makes it convenient and confidential to receive the support you need from the comfort of your own home. To get started with online therapy and/or online postpartum support groups, simply follow the steps below.
Get the care you need from a licensed postpartum support specialist.
OTHER SERVICES WHOLE MOTHER THERAPY OFFERS
Our Pasadena-based online therapy practice offers a broad range of mental health services because we know that each individual has had unique life experiences that deserve personalized care. Services include individual therapy for new parents, postpartum anxiety treatment, therapy for birth trauma, therapy for infant & pregnancy loss, postpartum depression support, marriage counseling or couples therapy for new parents, counseling for parental burnout and overwhelm, and online therapy in California for new and expecting parents.
We also offer an eight-week in-person Sacred Motherhood Circle to honor the transitions and transformations of motherhood. And we hold several support groups, including an online pregnancy support group and an online postpartum support group. Finally, you can read more about our services, values, and resources on our therapy blog.