Elimination of Motherhood Support Groups for New Mothers

Elimination of Motherhood Support Groups for New Mothers

Empathizing with Motherhood: A Journey Toward Understanding

After welcoming her first child, Catherine Drolet struggled to adjust to her new role. "I wasn't doing great at all," she admits. On her way to a postnatal yoga class, a transformative moment occurred: a poster advertising meetings for a support group for new mothers, Les Mères-Veilleuses, caught her eye.

Eight years later, Catherine maintains her gratitude for joining one of the groups led by Sandra Juarez, coordinator at Le Berceau. "It was like a healing balm," Catherine confesses. "Seeing that I wasn't the only one struggling with my thoughts, that it was possible to live through this difficulty, that other mothers were going through it too... it made a huge difference."

At the time, services for new mothers grappling with psychological distress were scarce. In an effort to support struggling mothers, the Quebec Network of Perinatal Resource Centers (RCRPQ) has trained over sixty interveners to lead such groups across the province in recent months. "Our goal is to ensure that all Resource Centers have the capacity to offer these support groups," says Marie-Claude Dufour, general director of the Network.

Shared Experiences, Shared Strength

The worries mothers discuss in these meetings vary tremendously, according to Sandra Juarez, who participated in developing the training and has led groups for 13 years. Adapting to the new role as a mother, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and traumatic births are among the common topics.

The dynamics within each group are remarkably unique, notes Karine Hebert Landry, director of Le Berceau. "We've got parents dealing with anxiety and not wanting to be separated from their babies... to parents with no parental feelings at all. It's a diverse group, but it works really well together."

"Joining the group helped us unload our burdens," Catherine asserts. "It was non-judgmental. We all had different reasons for participating in this group, but we all shared the feeling of discomfort with our new roles as mothers. It was comforting to know we weren't alone."

Catching the Signs Early

New mothers often hesitate to seek help, observes Sandra Juarez. Many might believe that feeling off after childbirth is a normal part of the experience, a case of the "baby blues." However, Sandra encourages mothers to reach out to support groups at Resource Centers as soon as they suspect their well-being might be at risk.

"From the moment you notice even tiny instances where you think this isn't as enjoyable as you expected, it's a sign to reach out," Sandra explains. Expectant mothers can also participate in these groups.

Embrace Support for a Happier Start

Prevention is a primary objective of these support groups, adds Karine Hebert Landry, hoping the free service will become increasingly recognized across the province.

In addition, the Quebec government launched a digital self-care tool named Toi, Moi, Bébé last June to help promote the mental well-being of new parents. Users can create an account, explore ten modules covering topics such as communication within the couple and relaxation exercises, and receive personalized suggestions for emotional health during the perinatal period. With more than 40,000 users in six months, the platform is available in French and English and targets mothers and fathers from pregnancy to their baby's first birthday.

Explore the Quebec Perinatal Resource Centers Network and the Toi, Moi, Bébé platform for additional assistance navigating the early stages of parenthood.

1. Catherine Drolet, a new mother, stumbled upon Les Mères-Veilleuses support group, a life-changing discovery on her way to a yoga class.
2. Catherine Drolet, in her postnatal journey, expresses her gratitude towards Sandra Juarez, the coordinator at Le Berceau, for leading the healing support group.
3. Marie-Claude Dufour, the general director of the Quebec Network of Perinatal Resource Centers, aims to ensure these support groups are available at all Resource Centers across the province.
4. Sandra Juarez, a trainer and group leader, notes the diverse range of topics discussed in these meetings, including self-esteem, anxiety, and trauma.
5. Karine Hebert Landry, the director of Le Berceau, highlights the unique dynamics within each group, bringing together parents dealing with different parental feelings and anxieties.
6. Catherine Drolet emphasizes the essential role the support group played in her journey, offering a non-judgmental space for new mothers to share their discomfort and loneliness.
7. Sandra Juarez encourages new mothers to reach out for support as soon as they suspect their well-being might be at risk, even before the baby's arrival, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and resources such as the Toi, Moi, Bébé digital self-care platform.

Read also: