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The Circle

By Postpartum Resource Group 
 

Kalispell

WHEN: Every 2nd Thursday of the month 6 PM - 8 PM

WHERE: Faith Free Lutheran Church

405 Liberty Street, Kalispell, MT 59901

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Kalispell - Perinatal Loss + Grief

WHEN: Every 2nd Thursday of the month 6 PM –  PM

WHERE: Faith Free Lutheran Church

405 Liberty Street, Kalispell, MT 59901

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Whitefish

WHEN: Every first Thursday of the month 6 PM - 7:30 PM

WHERE: Snow Ghost Physical Therapy

940 Spokane Ave Suite 2

Whitefish, MT 59937

Columbia Falls

WHEN: Every Second Wednesday of the month

10 AM - 11:30 PM

WHERE: Mountain Time Wellness

305 1st Ave W.  Columbia Falls, MT 59912

We are excited to now be offering our Peer Support Group at multiple times and locations! You are welcome to attend group once a month or meet at several groups if you feel like you would like more opportunities for support!

Postpartum Resource Group offers a free monthly peer support group for mothers who are experiencing postpartum mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, and OCD, and for mothers who are or have experienced loss, trauma, or hardship from pregnancy into the postpartum period. Peer support groups are confidential and are led by warrior moms who have experienced or may be currently be continuing the healing process towards maternal mental health themselves. We welcome all mothers who would like to connect with and gain support from moms who can empathize with the journey of maternal mental health and the challenges of different seasons of motherhood, from pregnancy and beyond.

 

We support mothers who:

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  • are pregnant or have recently given birth

  • have been diagnosed with a postpartum mood disorder

  • think they may have more than baby blues but have not been clinically diagnosed with a postpartum mood disorder

  • are grieving the loss of a child from miscarriage, stillbirth, adoption, surrogacy, or any other form

  • have experienced or are experiencing a traumatic pregnancy, birth of a child, or postpartum recovery and transition into motherhood

  • have or had a child in intensive care or have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition

  • have colicky or challenging babies or children who may contribute to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression

  • have a partner who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, rage, addiction, et cetera

  • have or had hardship, trauma, or onset of mood disorders with breastfeeding, formula feeding, weaning, et cetera

  • are experiencing a relapse of symptoms months or years after the immediate postpartum period. We welcome mothers of all ages.

  • any other form not listed here that would benefit from support. Please let us know what we may have missed.

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You are welcome to bring your infants, but we do ask you to please leave your toddlers and children at home.

  • What is the purpose of peer support groups?
    Everyone needs support. No matter who we are or where we are, we face challenges. Social support and connection are crucial in not only supporting our emotional and physical health, but also in navigating the challenges we encounter in our lives. Motherhood, especially new motherhood, is beautiful and inspiring in so many ways, but for many, it’s nothing like what you expected. Nothing prepares us for the monumental shift of transitioning to motherhood. Not only are we suddenly responsible for a whole, tiny human being, but we are also encountering ourselves in an entirely different way. Navigating that transition can be isolating, and we may find that our support systems we have in place do not hold space for what is happening. We may not have friends with children, we may be bombarded with unsolicited advice, we may feel like we made a mistake or are failing every day. PRG support groups are here to let you set that burden down. We provide a space that is safe, confidential, free of judgment and advice, where you can say what is really on your mind. In our support groups, you are surrounded by other women who know where you’re coming from and can honor your journey. We are here to support, offer connection, and destigmatize the challenges and issues mothers face. A healthy mother is the foundation of a happy family.
  • Who leads these groups and why?
    Our support groups are peer-led, meaning the facilitators are women who were “merely” attendees before. This means that the group leader and everyone attending the group are women who have walked the walk. We have all had different life experiences, but we have all been through the peaks and valleys of motherhood. In sharing your story with others, you give voice and validation to your lived experience, and process your emotions. In listening to the stories of others, you learn that you are not alone or crazy, and affirm your own resilience: ‘if she can do it, so can I.’ Sometimes it is easier to share about the hard things in life with folks you don’t know intimately, but will still listen with compassion.
  • What can I expect when I attend?
    After we have all gathered, the facilitator welcomes everyone and introduces what our goal is as a group. Then the facilitator shares about their own postpartum experience(s), and then we go around in a circle and share what’s on our minds. Participants typically introduce themselves, share the ages of their children (or experience in pregnancy), and whatever else they feel called to share. No one is required or expected to divulge their medical history or mental health history, including whether or not they have experienced postpartum mood disorders. The meetings are usually pretty casual. We sit around a table, and there are beverages and small snacks provided. Infants and babies that can stay contained are welcome, but we ask that more mobile/active toddlers and children be left at home.
  • How will I be recieved when I attend?
    You will be received with compassion, respect, and non-judgement. If you are seeking advice, you can mention that in your sharing, and people can respond after group.
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