Why go to a support group?

For the first time mother, a new moms group can be an anchor during long days of on-demand feedings and unpredictable naps. It's a commitment outside the house. No one cares if there's spit up on the baby's (or your) outfit. And you can find reassurance that others are going through the same challenges, while hearing from the experienced moms of babies a few months older that it does in fact get better - or at least change. Groups combat the stir-crazy.  

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When your mind immediately imagines getting into an accident every time you put your baby in his car seat; when the pure physical ache of grief floods you each time you try to stand up; when you are facing yet another roller coaster month of hope and despair and anger; when you can't stop yourself from yelling at your child you can feel enveloped in a fog of isolation. 

For these individuals dealing with postpartum emotional complications, loss, infertility, parenting challenges—and so many more issues—a support group can be a lifeline.

The mere act of being in a room with others fights that isolation. In a group, you hear that others have said/thought/felt/done similar things. They nod, they pass the tissues, they laugh with you, and their eyes tear up because they recognize your story. Sometimes you have the perfect resource or a "been there done that" to share that helps someone else. Sometimes you just want to go to report a great success. You can leave a support group more confident, less alone, with a tiny bit less stress, with an idea to implement, simply lighter after a good cry or a vent or a laugh. You can find solace in a group. 

Resources: 

• For a group addressing postpartum depression, anxiety, or adjustment challenges, Postpartum Support International can be a good place to find a group in your state. 
  
• Resolve offers infertility support groups nationally.
• For pregnancy and infant loss support groups, Share has chapters in most states. In Massachusetts, Hopeful Connections, also lists groups across the state. 
• Parents Helping Parents of Massachusetts offers parent support groups to "express frustrations and concerns about their children and families and get advice from other parents who understand."
• For information about the groups I'm currently running, look here.