Online Group Support for Pregnancy and Postpartum: The Benefits of Connecting with Others
Pregnancy can be exciting, but the postpartum period can also be quite challenging. Online support groups can offer a connective space to share in a common experience that validates what you are going through and fosters community. Online support groups for pregnancy and postpartum allow birthing folx to connect with others, it offers a space to be seen, held, and heard by others. This can be incredibly beneficial, both during and after pregnancy. This blog post will discuss the benefits of joining others in a group during and after pregnancy.
The Pregnancy Period
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time but can also be overwhelming. There are so many changes in your body, and you may feel unsure what to expect from the doctor's appointments managing your nutritional health to connecting with your loved ones. A lot is going on. Some people start as single parents or don't fit the traditional parenting norm ( non-binary and gender-fluid parents). When doing it on your own, with a partner, or if you fit into a non-traditional parenting role, there is much to learn. This can lead to information overload, exhaustion, stress, fear, and much more.
The Postpartum Experience
After you have your baby, things don't necessarily get easier. In fact, for many women, the postpartum period is when things start to get challenging. You're dealing with a whole new set of challenges, like sleep deprivation and learning how to breastfeed. On top of that, you may be dealing with postpartum depression or anxiety. This can lead to disconnection from your child and partner. It can lead to extreme highs and lows of emotions and hormones that can be downright scary if you don't know how to cope.
Additionally, many parents struggle between caring for their kids and themselves. Self-care and basic needs may end up lacking because now that your child is in the world, suddenly, your needs take a back seat. It feels like an act of selfishness to care for yourself ( but this is not the case).
Connection Matters for Parents and Caregivers!
Being independent and alone isn't a bad thing, in principle. However, it does weigh on you when you chronically handle things alone. This is where seeking out support, in the form of a group, can help to alleviate some of that pressure. People who join postpartum and pregnancy support groups have lower levels of postpartum depression than those who don't participate in any support system. Being around other people who understand what you're going through can be healing, reduce stress and anxiety, and instill hope for the future.
Postpartum and pregnancy online support groups in California also allow you to share your experiences and wisdom with others. When you feel stuck in the postpartum or pregnancy rut, it can be helpful to remember that other people have gone through this and made it to the other side. There is strength in numbers!
Benefits of An Online Support Group for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
If you're struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety, joining a postpartum support group can be incredibly beneficial. In these groups, you'll be able to share your experiences with other parents and caregivers who understand what you're going through. You'll also be able to learn from the group's collective wisdom and gain valuable insights into your own postpartum journey.
BIPOC Individuals Need Community
Additionally, postpartum support groups can provide you with a much-needed sense of community. After you have a baby, feeling isolated and alone is easy. These groups can help you feel connected and supported by others going through the same thing.
As a Person of Color, Hope is Powerful!
Finally, postpartum support groups can offer you a sense of hope. When you're in the midst of postpartum depression or anxiety, it can be challenging to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But hearing from other parents who have been there and come out on the other side can remind you that there is hope for a better tomorrow.
Benefits of A Pregnancy Online Support Group
If you're pregnant and looking for support, a pregnancy support group can be an excellent resource for BI&POC parents. These groups provide a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings about pregnancy and motherhood. Additionally, if you are fearful of the experience of being in a medical setting, individuals who have been right there can encourage and support you. They also offer an opportunity for you to connect with other pregnant individuals who understand what you're going through.
Additionally, pregnancy support groups can offer a sense of community and connection that is vital for pregnant individuals. These groups can provide you with support, information, and resources to help you navigate your pregnancy journey.
Reasons Individuals Are Unsure if an Online Support Group is right for them?
If you're on the fence about whether or not a postpartum or pregnancy support group is suitable for you, here are a few things to consider:
Are you feeling isolated and alone?
Do you feel like you need someone to talk to who understands what you're going through?
Would you like to connect with other postpartum or pregnant individuals?
Do you want to learn from the collective wisdom of the group?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a postpartum or pregnancy support group may be right for you.
What if There Isn't a Group in My Area?
If there isn't a postpartum or pregnancy support group in your area, there are still plenty of other ways to get the help you need. You can reach out to postpartum and pregnancy organizations, such as Postpartum Progress, The National Perinatal Association, and Postpartum Support International. You can also connect with other parents online through social media groups or forums.
Whole Mother's Support Groups for Pregnancy and Postpartum
Whole Mother Therapy in California offers several different groups that may be right for you if you're looking for a postpartum or pregnancy support group. We offer a variety of groups, including postpartum support groups and pregnancy support groups via online therapy in California. You can learn more about our postpartum and pregnancy support groups by visiting our website or contacting us for a brief consult.
To get started:
Learn about your support group facilitators
Begin restoring hope and developing a connection.
Other Services at Whole Mother Therapy
Life experiences are not one-size-fits-all, so neither are our services. We recognize that every person is unique and has a variety of lived experiences. Therefore, we have therapists who offer a wide range of mental health services at our Pasadena office, we provide individual therapy for new parents, postpartum anxiety treatment, parental burnout and overwhelm, marriage counseling and couples therapy for new parents, and virtual therapy. Additionally, we offer support groups. This includes a postpartum support group and a pregnancy support group.