Postpartum Support Groups: Why You Should Join One in the New Year
You're a new parent who is adjusting to all the changes and challenges that come with parenthood. This journey is so unique to each individual, and it can be hard to find your footing. However, postpartum support groups can offer you a community of other new parents who understand what you’re going through and can provide a safe space to talk about your experiences. In these groups, you’ll have an opportunity to share stories and tips, get advice from each other, and learn more about the transition into parenthood. What other reasons should you join a postpartum support group?
Legitimize and Validate Your Experiences
When you join a postpartum support group, you will be surrounded by people who are going through a similar experience. You will be able to share your experiences from pregnancy, delivery, the ups and downs of new parenthood, and anything else related to your path that you feel comfortable talking about. It can be very validating and legitimizing to hear other people’s stories and know that you are not alone. Especially in early post-partum when you are adjusting to a new reality and life with your baby.
Each individual's journey is unique, however, there are many overlaps that can normalize our experiences. You'll be able to see that you are not the only one who is struggling with certain aspects of parenthood, and that can bring a tremendous amount of comfort and relief. For example, if you're a trans parent, it can be hard to find other trans parents who understand your journey and struggles. However, if you join a postpartum support group for BIPOC, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ parents, you'll be surrounded by people who share similar experiences and understand what you're going through.
Build Community
A post-partum support group for BIPOC, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ parents is a great way to build community. You will have a way to build relationships and make connections with other parents who are on a similar journey. You’ll also be able to learn from each other and help each other out in times of need. In these groups, you’ll be able to share tips and advice, ask for help when you need it, and just generally get the support that you need in this time of transition. It can be a great resource for information and help, as well as a source of comfort and encouragement.
This community can be especially important for those who may be isolated or find themselves without access to a support system such as single parents, parents of multiples, or those who may have a partner that is unable to provide much support. Being able to connect with other parents who understand your experiences can help you feel less alone and can be a great source of comfort and support.
These groups are not a place for judgment or criticism—they are a place for understanding and love. It's where you can feel affirmed and accepted, and feel empowered by your peers that are also on their own unique journeys. You will be able to learn from each other and celebrate the joys of becoming a parent!
Ground You in Reality
These support groups can also help shatter any unrealistic expectations you may have had before. It's easy to get caught up in our own expectations or the expectations of others, but these groups can help ground you in a more realistic experience of what parenthood can be like. You will be able to hear stories that are similar to yours and learn from others’ experiences.
The illusions of what postpartum is "supposed to be" can often lead us down a path of self-doubt and comparison. Postpartum support groups help break this illusion and normalize our experiences as we make this transition into parenthood. Along with this, you may also find comfort in knowing that even though the journey is unique to each individual, many of us understand and relate.
INTERESTED IN POSTPARTUM SUPPORT IN CALIFORNIA?
As a mother or birthing person anywhere in the state, you can find support and connection with other parents going through a similar experience by joining an online post-partum support group for BIPOC, nonbinary and LGBTQIA+ parents. These groups provide a non-judgmental space to build community and find companionship, share stories, and get the support you need during this new transition into parenthood. 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.