Postpartum Support Resources in Fairfield County

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postpartum support

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (MMH Week) takes place the first week of May. This year the theme of the Blue Dot Project 2022 campaign is Making Over Motherhood, and the campaign highlights the intersection of maternal mental health and maternal substance use. “The intersection of maternal mental health and maternal substance use is multi-layered and complex, but just knowing how common these behavioral health conditions are can decrease stigma.” The Blue Dot Project has compiled helpful information and resources on maternal substance use. 

Every May, we help raise awareness about maternal mental health by publishing this list of postpartum support services and resources for local moms.

Maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression are the #1 complication of childbirth.

According to Postpartum Support International, at least 1 in 7 moms will be impacted by depression, anxiety, and/or another maternal mental health complication. And yet, it’s still taboo and gets in the way of some women reaching out for help when they need it the most. There are a few important things to remember if you’re experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or another maternal mental health complication.

It’s not your fault. You’re not alone. It’s temporary. And it’s treatable. 

You didn’t do anything wrong, and you’re not a bad mother. You just brought a life into this world. It’s no wonder you need some support to help you recover and find your new normal after having one of the most mentally and physically challenging experiences you may ever have.

If you’re a Fairfield County-based mom dealing with postpartum issues yourself or know someone who is, here are some local resources that you can turn to for help. Don’t be afraid to seek support. Unfortunately, what you are going through is very common, but fortunately, very treatable. There are some amazing organizations and people who can help you work through it. You are not alone! 

Support Services and Resources

*Note: Many providers and organizations offer virtual services – please check their websites for up-to-date information.

Postpartum Support International

A leading organization in the fight to spread awareness of postpartum issues and connect women with support. Visit the Connecticut chapter page for a list of contacts and local resources.

Life After Birth

A Westport-based support group series that meets weekly and provides an open, judgment-free space for moms to connect with other moms and discuss challenges or topics related to the postpartum experience. Visit the Hypnobirthing of CT website for information on session timing and how to sign up. I encourage you to check it out whether you are on your first baby or fourth.

The Parent Collective

Servicing Fairfield County and other areas, this group offers a wide range of pre and postnatal courses, including opportunities to build relationships with other new parents in your area. They can also help connect new moms to a range of local resources, including pediatricians, lactation specialists, therapists, and nutritionists.

New Moms’ Groups

Hosted by various pediatricians’ offices, hospitals, family-friendly yoga studios, and more. Don’t get new moms’ group fatigue. Explore what’s out there and stick with the one(s) that you gel with the most, and cover the topics of immediate interest to you, whether it be newborn care, self-care, mental health, or something else. Examples include the Center for Advanced Pediatrics in Darien; Willows Pediatrics in Westport; StamfordNorwalk, and Greenwich hospitals; Mother’s Embrace Yoga in Shelton; Family Tree Yoga in Stamford; and Yoga for Everybody in Fairfield. There’s also a list of Fairfield County-based pregnancy, prenatal and postpartum support groups on Psychology Today.

Private Counseling 

It can be beneficial to talk through your struggles and concerns one-on-one with a professional who specializes in postnatal care. There are some excellent providers in Fairfield County, so ask around for recommendations, call your insurance provider, or do a little online research to locate someone close to you. Some recommended options include:

Carla Pileggi-Caviola (Old Greenwich and Stamford)
Pamela Allon (Westport)
Elisabeth Schneider (Fairfield and Darien)
Jackie Small (Fairfield)
Alisa Fulvio (Fairfield)
B. Jasmine D. Zinser (Fairfield)
Carolyn Kagan (Stamford)
Leah Brown Freshman (Norwalk)
Lauren Buckley (Wilton)

Postpartum Doulas

Doulas are trained professionals who can support new mothers before, during, and immediately following childbirth. Postpartum doulas specialize in nurturing and supporting new moms and families. Many doulas are serving Fairfield County, including MothersCare, Birth Partners Doulas, and the Connecticut Doula Collective.

Breastfeeding Support

Check out La Leche League, which has regular meetings for breastfeeding moms in Danbury, Fairfield, Greenwich, Newtown/Monroe, Ridgefield, Shelton/Milford, and Wilton. Breastfeeding Resources in Stratford is a physician-based private medical practice specializing in breastfeeding support. Norwalk-based Beth Iovinelli, the Baby Waitress, has helped countless local moms (including me!) with prenatal and postnatal breastfeeding support, back-to-work consultations, and much more. You can also search for a private lactation counselor in your area for individualized attention and assistance.

Online Communities and Other Support Groups

Sometimes new moms are at their lowest in the off-hours, such as during those middle-of-night feedings/wakings. It’s dark. You’re alone with your baby. All you can hear is the sound of a ticking clock somewhere. And, you’re exhausted. It can help to have online communities to turn to for support during these times to feel less alone. There are many groups out there, including the Balanced Mama Facebook group. Postpartum Support International also has a private Facebook group for moms with perinatal mood or anxiety disorders. Search for communities that are judgment-free zones where other moms provide support, encouragement, and advice. Moms across Fairfield County have raved about FIT4MOM – a pre and postnatal fitness program that provides fitness to moms through classes like Stroller Strides as well as a network of other moms to support every stage of motherhood.

Though it can be hard to remind ourselves of this during those particularly dark moments – we are not in this alone. 

If you’re feeling out of sorts, or worse, help is out there. The above list of resources is far from exhaustive, so please share any additional recommendations in the comments. We all have our own unique experiences related to motherhood, but there are many common themes and struggles. The more we can support and encourage each other, the better off we all will be. There is no “right” way to be a mom. #MakingOverMotherhood

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