Every Wednesday from 10am - 11:30am
New Parent Support Group offers peer support for the emotional changes and challenges of adapting to early parenthood with babies that are 12 months old or younger. The goal is to create an environment in which the full range of postpartum experiences is welcomed, and the everyday realities of being a new parent are understood. Consider attending one of these drop-in sessions, which are facilitated by a professional doula.
We recognize that babies are welcomed into families in a variety of ways - biological, step-children, fertility treatments, fostering or adoption - all are welcome. We are inclusive of any new parent regardless of gender identity, race, income, age and disability. If you have access needs, please contact the facilitator (Kristen Schell at hello@kristenschellbirth.com).
We will meet virtually on Google Meet (every other Wednesday). Google Meet has automatic captions available for the d/Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community.
What to expect
- Drop in when you can (no worries if you’re late - babies don’t care about our schedule).
- Everyone will introduce themselves, their baby and share the age of their baby.
- Then there will be an opportunity to share what is going well and what has been a challenge lately. Each participant is invited to say if they are venting or seeking advice.
- The general rule is to “keep it real.” We all love our babies but it’s okay to acknowledge that parenthood is challenging.
Interested?
Join us every Wednesday either online or at Fairplain Presbyterian Church (It has an elevator and it is accessible by wheelchair and stroller). Sign up below for email reminders and link details for the New Parents Support Group! Please know that this is a safe space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ families as well.
Upcoming Schedule
September 27 at 10-11:30 am EST online via Google Meet
Message me or subscribe to email (above) for link details.
October 4 at 10-11:30 am EST at Fairplain Presbyterian Church
210 W Napier Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
October 11 at 10-11:30 am EST online via Google Meet
Message me or subscribe to email (above) for link details.
October 18 at 10-11:30 am EST at Fairplain Presbyterian Church
210 W Napier Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
October 25 at 10-11:30 am EST online via Google Meet
Message me or subscribe to email (above) for link details.
November 1 at 10-11:30 am EST at Fairplain Presbyterian Church
210 W Napier Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
More will be added later.
Who is the Facilitator?
She's a birth doula, birth photographer and childbirth educator in Southwest Michigan. She's a mom of two kiddos so she gets how challenging parenthood can be and how essential support can be. You are not alone. A New Moms Coffee group in Pittsburgh that she was a part of when her oldest was a newborn was lifegiving and life saving. She realized that no parent has their shit together and is doing the best they can do. This shit is hard and you shouldn't feel alone in one of the most challenging times of your life.
After she moved back to Michigan, it's been a dream of hers to start a local new parent support group in this area.
