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Support Groups

The Motherhood Center offers a full array of virtual support groups for pregnant and postpartum women and birthing people. Support groups can help perinatal women feel less alone in their struggles with new motherhood and be a part of a community that helps to normalize and validate one another’s experiences.

Please note that all of The Motherhood Center’s support groups are restricted to only new or expecting moms/birthing people. If you are looking to observe a group – please refrain from signing up for a group.

Support groups are not treatment groups and do not take the place of individual or clinical group therapy or medication management. Participation in a support group does not make a participant a medical patient at The Motherhood Center or any of its affiliates. Please complete a patient referral form to refer a patient for our clinical treatment services.

Illustration of a diverse group of pregnant women sitting together in a circle, engaging in a group therapy or support session. The women are depicted with varying hairstyles and clothing, including a vibrant patterned dress and solid-colored outfits, emphasizing inclusivity and community support.

A safe space for all

All of our support groups welcome and encourage BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ pregnant and postpartum moms/birthing people to join our community and openly share their experiences. The Motherhood Center is a safe space to talk about the hard parts of motherhood/parenthood as they intersect with race, identity, gender, sexual orientation, and other important aspects of identity.

Current support groups at The Motherhood Center

A group of pregnant women sitting together in a supportive circle, each holding their bellies. The setting appears to be a cozy and inviting room, fostering connection and shared experiences among expecting mothers.

Pregnancy Support Group

Mondays, 5:00 – 6:00 PM ET

Instructor: Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW, PMH-C

This group is specifically for pregnant women/parents who are feeling anxious or depressed or who have a diagnosed perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD), such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and/or bipolar disorder. This group is meant to support expecting moms/birthing people who are struggling with their mental health and are feeling anxious and overwhelmed by becoming a mother/parent. Both first-time moms/birthing people and non-first-time pregnant people are welcome.

A diverse group of mothers sitting on the floor with their babies during a casual gathering. One mother helps her baby stand while another cradles her sleeping infant. A comfortable beige couch and natural light from large windows create a warm and inviting atmosphere, emphasizing community and parenting support.

Postpartum Support Group

Tuesdays, 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET

Instructor: Grace Burke, LCSW

This group is for postpartum women/birthing parents who are feeling depressed or anxious, and for those who have a diagnosed perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD); such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, or bipolar disorder. This group is meant to offer a supportive and honest community for new moms/birthing people struggling with motherhood. Tears and babies are welcome.

A close-up image of a newborn baby's feet, with one foot gently secured by a medical sensor, often used in neonatal monitoring. The soft lighting and delicate features of the infant emphasize the tender care provided in a clinical setting, symbolizing both vulnerability and strength in early life.

After The NICU

Tuesdays, 4:00 – 5:00 PM ET

Instructor: Leah Gooen, LCSW

This group is for postpartum women/birthing parents who are dealing with the unique transition from NICU to home with their baby/babies. This group is meant to provide a specific type of support and strategies to better navigate life at home after the NICU. Participants will come together and process complicated feelings while in the NICU and since returning home. The group aims to build a community of parents who understand the unique challenges of this journey. Babies and tears are welcome!

Having Another Baby After a PMAD

Thursdays, 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET

Instructor: Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW, PMH-C

This group is for women/birthing parents who had a PMAD with their previous child and are thinking about having another child, are currently pregnant, or are recently postpartum. If you feel anxious or depressed about having another baby and/or having a PMAD again, experience a return of symptoms during pregnancy or postpartum with your second, are curious about what you can do to create a different outcome for yourself this time, looking for a community of other women/birthing people who are going through a similar experience as your own, then this group is for you.

Our support group leads

  • Grace Burke, LCSW

    Intake Coordinator, Perinatal Social Worker

  • Headshot of Leah Gooen
    Leah Gooen, LCSW

    Associate Director of Admissions, Perinatal Therapist

  • Headshot of Paige Bellenbaum
    Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW, PMH-C

    Founding Director, Chief External Relations Officer