Spit-up On My Shoulder

Today we’re continuing our discussion about the benefits to you of joining a pregnancy or postpartum support group.

Our guest is licensed clinical psychologist, Dana Paskowitz, Ph.D., who runs support groups and has a special interest in working with women around issues of pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and parenting. To see Part 1 of my discussion with Dana, go here.

MB: Dana, would you please share what you’ve observed in your pregnancy support groups, along with comments women have made about how being in the group helped them?

DP: One of the most common comments I receive is that they are so happy to have the opportunity to develop such close relationships with other pregnant women. Often these relationships develop into close friendships.

Support groups can be especially helpful to women who are new to a town, and who would would like to meet other local moms-to-be. In addition, most women love setting time aside each week to celebrate their pregnancy and their unborn baby.

MB: What are the benefits to new moms of joining a postpartum support group?

DP: Living with postpartum depression is often an isolating, traumatic experience for women. Soon after arriving home from the hospital with their new baby, women may suddenly feel extremely overwhelmed, emotional, irritable, disconnected, and alone. In addition, it is not uncommon for these new moms to feel extremely guilty for not feeling “connected” to their new baby. They may even question whether they were ever meant to be a mom in the first place.

By seeking out and participating in a postpartum support group, moms will meet other new moms who have experienced the very same feelings. Within the confines of a safe and non-judgmental group, they will find that the other participants provide much needed support and encouragement as they listen and share their own strategies for fighting the depression.

Moms learn to challenge their own negative self-thoughts (”You are not alone”, “you are not crazy”, and “you are not a bad mom”), and become more motivated to improve their own self-care through sleep, exercise, fresh-air, nutrition, stress-reduction, etcetera.

MB: How can women find these support groups in their area?

DP: I would suggest they ask their physician/midwife and/or contact their local baby store, as they are often familiar with local resources. *

MB: Thank you so much for your time, Dana! This is great information.

* For more resources on postpartum support groups, check the Postpartum Depression section in the left-hand column for organizations that may be of help.