Connecting Patients to Support Groups

Groups can be extremely healing for women, especially if they are feeling like they are the only mom out there who is feeling this way. Support groups are also great interventions for women who may have a 2 week wait to see a therapist.

Chose at least one or two groups to share. Let her know the day and time the group meets, if there is a physical location or a virtual link. Instructions on how to register. Always let her know that she never has to participate, she can always listen and if she ever finds a group to be triggering she can leave if it’s in a physical location or log off if it’s a virtual group.

** It is important to note that some women do not like support groups and that is ok. Some women may find the groups very triggering. This is especially true for women who are experiencing intrusive thoughts. It is good to figure out if a mom would benefit from a group by asking her questions on what she is feeling.

To search for relevant support groups

• You can use your Junonia Study Site Resource and Referral list to see if there are local groups.

• You can also search Mammha’s List of virtual support groups: www.mammha.com/mammha-other-support-groups

• Or you can search Hey Peers for upcoming Postpartum Support International support groupshttps://heypeers.com/meetings

  • If you share a Postpartum Support International support group from the hey peers website, always let mom know that these groups fill fast. Let her know it’s best to register early even if she isn’t sure she is going to make it, just to ensure that she will have a spot reserved in case she does want to join.

  • Let her know, that to register for her first hey peers groups, she needs to first register with hey peers using this link: https://heypeers.com/members/sign_up

  • After she registers with hey peers, she can use the invite link to the group you share to register.

Inviting Patients to Support Groups As Part of On Going Support

An invitation to a support group is a great way to continue supporting and checking in with mom. Finding a group that meets her unique needs, that has space, that takes place during hours she has available, and that is easily accessible is a way to provide ongoing support to mom.

• An easy way to let mom know about upcoming groups is to reach out every Monday, sharing a group or two that is coming up that you think she may be interested in joining.